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ELIZABETH  FRY: 


LIFE  AND  LABORS 


EMINENT  PHILANTROPIST,  PREACHER, 
AND  PRISON  REFORMER. 

COMPILED   FROM    HER  JOURNAL   AND   OTHER  SOURCES. 

By  EDWARD  RYDER. 


"Verily  I  say  unto  you,  Wheresoever  this  Gospel  shall  be 
preached  in  the  whole  world,  there  shall  also  this  which  this 
woman  hath  done  be  told  for  a  memorial  of  her." 

—  Matt.  26 : 13. 


Third  Edition. 


NEW   YORK : 

Published  by  E.  WALKER'S  SON,  14  Dey  St., 

FOR   THE  AUTHOR. 
I  8  S4. 


"  Mr.  Harvey,  two  days  ago  I  saw  the  greatest  curiosity 
in  London — aye  and  in  England  too,  sii', — compared  to 
which  Westminster  Abbey,  the  Tower,  Somerset  House,  the 
British  Museum,  nay  Parliament  itself,  sink  into  utter  in- 
significance !  I  have  seen,  sir,  Elizabeth  Fry  in  Newgate, 
and  have  witnessed  miraculous  effects  of  true  Christianity 
upon  the  most  depraved  of  human  beings." 

— John  Randolph. 

"We  shall  not  look  upon  her  Kke  again !  and  must  try  to 
preserve  the  impression  of  her  majesty  of  goodness  which  it 
is  a  great  privilege  to  have  beheld." 

—Baroness  JSunsen. 

"To  see  her  was  to  love  her;  to  hear  her  was  to  feel  aa 
if  a  guardian  angel  had  bid  you  follow  that  teaching  which 
could  alone  subdue  the  temptations  and  evils  of  this  life, 
and  secure  a  redeemer's  love  in  eternity." 

— Captain  K.  JB.  Martin. 

"May  you  continue,  my  dear  madam,  to  be  the  honored 
instrument  of  great  and  rare  benefits  to  almost  the  most 
pitiable  of  your  fellow-creatures." 

• —  William  Wilberforce. 


"  Of  all  my  contemporaries  none  has  exercised  a  like  in* 
flaence  on  my  heart  and  life." 

^Thomas  JTliedner, 


2 


BLIZABETH  FB7. 


"Though  faithful  to  her  duty  as  a  wife  and  mother,  into 

the  night  of  the  iDrisou  Elizabeth  Fry  brings  the  radiance 
of  love,  brings  comfort  to  the  sufferer,  dries  the  tear  of  re- 
pentance, and  causes  a  ray  of  hope  to  descend  into  the 
heart  of  the  sinner.  She  teaches  her  that  has  strayed  again 
to  find  the  path  of  virtue,  comes  as  an  angel  of  God  into 
the  abode  of  crime,  and  preserves  for  Jesus'  kingdom  that 
which  appeared  to  be  lost." 

— German  '•^Almanac Jor  the  Beautiful  and  Good." 

*'Your  name  has  long  been  to  us  'A  Word  of  Beauty.' " 

— German  JPastor. 

"TO  MES.  FEY. 

Presented  by  hannah  more 
As  a  token  of  veneration, 
Of  her  heroic  zeal, 
Christian  charity, 
And  persevering  kindness 
To  the  most  forlorn 
Of  human  beings. 
They  were  naked  and  she 
Clothed  them ; 
In  prison  and  she  visited  them; 
Ignorant  and  she  taught  them, 

For  Jlis  sake. 
In  His  name,  and  by  His  word 
Who  went  about  doing  good." 

— //.  More,  in  copy  of  "Practical  Piety.''* 


PREFACE. 


My  aim  has  been  not  to  preserve  every thiog  she  said  and 
did,  but  to  present  a  Life  Portrait  of  Elizabeth  Fry  and  her 
unique  career.  This  can  best  be  done  by  letting  herself  be 
the  chief  speaker,  since  she  has  spoken  so  admirably : — next 
those  who  knew  her  well.  Of  the  latter  we  have  many  wit- 
nesses, but  the  principal  are  her  two  daughters,  Katherine 
Fry  and  Eachel  E.  Cresswell,  both  still  living  at  this  date, 
who  in  1847,  two  years  after  her  death,  published  a  "Mem- 
oir of  the  Life  of  Elizabeth  Fry,"  in  two  octavo  volumes  of 
525  and  552  pages.  This  was  extensively  read  at  that  time, 
when  the  name  of  Elizabeth  Fry  was  in  all  mouths ;  but 
it  necessarily  contained  much  of  transitory  interest  to 
the  rapidly  changing  world  of  men,  who  are  too  busy 
to  dwell  long  on  what  does  not  closely  concern  them. 
The  work  was  not  reprinted  and  has  long  been  out 
of  the  market,  and  only  to  be  found  among  those 
who  purchased  at  the  time  of  its  publication.  An 
abridgement  of  it  was  afterwards  published,  with  some 
additional  notes  and  recollections  by  Susanna  Corder,  a 
teacher  of  Friends'  schools,  who  was  well  acquainted  with 
Mrs.  Fry,  and  a  member  of  the  same  religious  Society. 


4 


XXIZABETH  FBT. 


This  work  of  667  pages  is  still  to  be  obtained  at  Friends 
book  stores,  and  seems  to  have  been  undertaken  partly  with 
a. view  to  furnishing  members  of  that  Society  with  a  "Life 
of  Elizabeth  Fry,"  relieved  of  both  a  portion  of  matter 
passing  from  public  interest,  and  of  the  unquakerly  style 
in  which  the  original  Memoir  was  written — one  of  the 
daughters,  Mrs.  Cresswell,  and  apparently  the  larger  writ- 
er, having  become  a  member  of  the  Episcopal  church,  and 
not  conforming  to  the  peculiarities  of  her  mother,  Mrs. 
Fry,  also  left  on  record  some  observations  looking  towai'd 
greater  liberty  than  her  Society  were  then  ready  to  adopt, 
though  they  are  now  approaching  the  standard  to  which 
her  catholic  spirit  and  wide  experience  at  length  brought 
her  sympathetic  mind. 

In  reading  first  this  Abridgement,  obtained  for  a  circu- 
lating library  in  a  community  partly  made  up  of  Friends,  I 
was  struck  with  the  large  number  of  highly  interesting 
facts  and  incidents  it  contained,  as  well  as  with  the  delight- 
ful spirit  which  it  exhibited — a  spirit  which  I  felt  ought  to 
bring  a  contagion  of  heavenly-mindeduess  into  the  soul  of 
each  reader — and  I  found  a  regret  arising  that  such  choice 
seed  of  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  was  not  scattered  broad- 
cast through  all  lands.  I  therefore  resolved,  as  I  trust  un- 
der the  inspiration  of  Him  whose  eyes  run  to  and  fro  in  the 
earth,  seeking  where  good  may  be  accomplished  and  Hia 
children  made  haj^py,  to  undertake  a  further  pruning  of 
decaying  branches  from  this  noble  olive  tree,  leaving  only 
Buch  as  will  bear  fruit  for  all  times  and  places,  and  then  to 
essay  its  introduction  not  only  into  the  parks  of  those  who 
are  rich  in  knowledge  and  spiritual  wisdom,  but  also  in  the 


ELIZABETH  FBI; 


5 


little  gardens  of  the  poor  where  Elizabeth  Fry  was  so  fond 
of  sowing  seeds  of  kindness  and  love,  hoping  they  might 
spring  up  unto  everlasting  life. 

The  part  I  have  had  to  perform  is  mainly  that  of  an  arti- 
san whose  material  is  already  furnished  to  his  hand,  requir- 
ing only  careful  selection  and  judicious  arrangement  to  give 
effect  to  the  simple  beauty  which  the  subject  itself  contains, 
I  have  ventured  to  add  .the  <^onnecting  thread  of  a  few  ob- 
servations  in  passing,  and  occasional  comments  on  portions 
nrhich  seemed  to  invite  further  illustration,  or  criticism. 


Pawling,  Duchess  County,  N.  Y. 
Feb.  1. 1883. 


E.  Etdeb. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  PAGE 

I^EAKLY  LIFE         ...         -  9 

n^MARRIAGE  AND  THE  MINISTRY      -  58 

m~MOTHER  AND  mNISTER       -         .  94 

IV— NEWGATE                  -         -         -  120 

V— NEWGATE  CONTINUED       -         -  145 

VI^EXCUESIONS  IN  GREAT  BRITAIN      -  164 

VII*-PASSING  THROUGH  THE  VALLEY     -  201 

VIIIi-EISING  UP  THE  MOUNTAINS  -  -  224 
IX^-FiRST  AND  Second  VISITS  to  the  CONTINENT  264 

X«-TfliB0,  FouETH,  Fifth  "        **            «  297 

XI— THE  PEARL  GATE      -        •  854 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


CHAPTER  FIRST. 

EARLY  LIFB. 

Elizabeth  Fry  was  born  in  Norwich,  England,  on  the 
21st  of  May,  1780.  She  was  the  third  daughter  of  John 
Gurney  of  Earlham,  a  liberal-spuited  Quaker,  "a  man  of 
ready  talent,  of  bright  discerning  mind,  singularly  warm- 
hearted and  affectionate,  very  benevolent,  and  in  manners 
courteous  and  popular ;"  and  of  Catherine  Bell,  daughter  of 
Daniel  Bell,  a  Loudon  Merchant,  and  great-grand- daughter 
of  Robert  Barclay,  the  well-known  and  able  expounder  of 
Quakerism. 

From  this  excellent  stock  eleven  children,  seven  daugh- 
ters and  four  sons,  grew  to  maturity,  and  several  of  them 
became  active  and  useful  members  of  the  Society  of  Friends, 
including  Elizabeth  Fry,  Joseph  John  Gurney  and  Priscilla 
Gurney,  whose  memoirs  have  been  given  to  the  public. 

From  the  "Memoir  of  the  Life  of  Elizabeth  Fry,"  edit- 
ed by  two  of  her  daughters,  the  following  extracts  relat- 
ing to  her  early  life  are  taken; 

"In  the  year  1786,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gurney  removed  to  Earl- 
ham Hall,  a  seat  of  the  Bacon  family,  about  two  miles  from 
iS^orwich.  Mr.  Guruey  subsequently  purchased  an  adjoiuing 
property,  thus  adding  to  the  range  and  variety  afforded  to 


10 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


his  large  young  party,  by  that  pleasant  home.  Earlhamhas 
pecuhar  charms  from  its  diversified  scenery.  The  house  is 
large,  old,  and  irregular ;  placed  in  the  centre  of  a  well- 
wooded  park.  The  River  Wensum,  a  clear  winding  stream, 
flows  by  it.  Its  banks,  overhung  by  an  avenue  of  ancient 
timber  trees,  formed  a  favorite  resort  of  the  young  people ; 
there,  in  the  summer  evenings,  they  would  often  meet  to 
walk,  read,  or  sketch.  On  the  south  front  of  the  house  ex- 
tends a  noble  lawn,  flanked  by  groves  of  trees  growing  from 
a  carpet  of  wild  flowers,  moss,  and  long  grass  Every  nook, 
every  green  path  at  Earlham,  tells  a  tale  of  the  past  and  re- 
calls to  those  who  remember  the  time  when  they  were  peo- 
pled by  that  joyous  party,  the  many  loved  ones  of  the  num 
ber,  who,  having  shared  with  one  another  the  pleasm-es  of 
youth,  the  cares  of  maturer  age,  and  above  all,  the  hope  of 
immortality,  are  now  together  at  rest ! 

"Of  the  twelve  childien  of  Mr  and  Mrs.  Gurney,  nine 
were  born  before  their  removal  to  Eailham ;  one  of  them 
died  in  infancy.  The  three  youngest  sens  were  born  after 
their  settlement  there. 

"The  mode  of  life  at  Bramerton  was  continued  with  little 
alteration  at  Earltenn,  till  Nov.  1792,  when  it  pleased  God  to 
remove  from  this  large  family,  the  kind  mistress, — the  loving 
wife, — the  devoted  mother.  She  died  after  an  illness  of 
three  weeks,  leaving  eleven  children,  the  eldest  scarcely  .sev- 
enteen, the  youngest  not  two  years  old.  During  a  period  of 
comparative  leisure,  Elizabeth  Fry  occupied  herself  in  perus- 
ing her  early  journals.  She  thought  it  well  to  destroy  all 
that  were  written  before  the  year  1797,  and  to  substitute  the 
following  sketch  of  their  contents,  assisted  by  her  own  recol- 
lecticus. 

" ' Dagenham,  Eighth  Month,  23<f,  1828. — My  earliest  recol- 
lections are,  I  should  think,  soon  after  1  was  two  years  old ;  my 
father  at  that  time  had  two  houses,  one  in  Norwich,  and  on© 
at  Bramerton,  a  sweet  country  place,  situated  on  a  Common, 


EASI7  UFE. 


11 


near  a  pretty  village ;  h'^re,  I  believe,  many  of  my  early 
tastes  were  fonned,  though  we  left  it  to  reside  at  Earlham 
when  I  was  about  five  years  old.  The  impressions  then  re- 
ceived remain  lively  on  my  recollection ;  the  delight  m  the 
beauty  and  wild  scenery  in  parts  of  the  Common,  the  trees, 
the  flowers,  and  the  httle  rills  that  abounded  on  it,  the  farm 
houses,  the  village  school  and  the  different  poor  people  and 
their  cottages;  particularly  a  poor  woman  with  one  ai'm, 
whom  we  called  one-armed  Betty ;  another  neighbor.  Green- 
grass,  and  her  strawberry  beds  round  a  little  pond ;  our 
gardener,  who  lived  near  a  large  piece  of  water,  and  used  to 
bring  fish  from  it ;  here,  I  think,  my  great  love  for  the 
country,  the  beauties  of  nature,  and  attention  to  the  poor, 
began.  My  mother  was  most  dear  to  me,  and  the  walks  she 
took  with  me  in  the  old-fashioned  garden,  are  as  fresh  with 
me,  as  if  only  just  passed;  and  her  telling  me  about  Adam 
and  Eve  being  driven  out  of  Paradise :  I  always  considered 
it  must  be  just  hke  our  garden  at  Bramerton.  1  remember 
that  my  spirits  were  not  strong :  that  I  frequently  cried  if 
looked  at,  and  used  to  say  that  my  eyes  were  weak ;  but  I 
remember  much  pleasure  and  little  suffering  or  particular 
tendency  to  naughtiness,  up  to  this  period.  Fear  about  this 
time  began  to  show  itself,  of  people  and  things:  I  remem* 
ber  being  so  much  afraid  of  a  gun,  that  1  gave  up  an  expe- 
dition of  pleasure  with  my  father  and  mother  because  thera 
was  a  gun  m  the  can-iage.  I  was  also  exceedingly  afraid  of 
the  dark,  and  suffered  so  acutely  from  being  left  alone  with-, 
out  a  light  alter  I  went  to  bed,  that  I  believe  my  ncrvoua 
system  was  injured  in  consequence  of  it ;  also,  I  had  so  great 
a  dread  of  bathing,  (to  which  I  was  obliged  at  times  to  sub- 
mit) that  at  the  first  sight  of  the  sea,  when  we  were  as  a 
family  going  to  stay  by  it,  it  would  make  me  cry ;  indeed, 
fear  was  so  strong  a  principle  in  my  mmd  as  greatly  to  mar 
the  natm-al  pleasure  of  childhood  I  am  now  of  opinion, 
that  it  would  have  been  much  more  subdued,  and  great  suf- 
ering  spared,  by  its  having  been  still  more  yielded  to ;  by 


12 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


having  a  light  left  in  my  room ;  not  being  long  left  alone  ; 
and  never  forced  to  bathe;  for  I  do  not  at  all  doubt  that  it 
partly  ai'ose  from  that  nervous  susceptible  constitution,  that 
has  at  times,  throughout  my  life,  caused  me  such  real  and 
deep  suffering.  I  know  not  what  would  have  been  the  con- 
sequence, had  I  had  any  other  than  a  most  careful  and  wise 
mother,  and  judicious  nurses,  or  had  I  been  alarmed,  as  too 
many  children  are,  by  false  threats  of  what  might  happen. 

"  'I  had,  as  well  as  a  fearful,  ralher  a  reserved  mind,  for  I 
never  remember  telling  of  my  many  pamful  fears,  though  i 
must  often  have  shown  them  by  weeping  when  left  in  the  dark, 
and  on  other  occasions .  this  reserve  made  me  httle  under- 
B  ood,  and  thought  vei-y  little  of,  except  by  my  mother  and 
one  or  two  others.  I  was  considered  and  called  very  stupid 
and  obstinate.  I  certainly  did  not  like  leai'ning,  nor  did  1, 
I  beUeve,  attend  to  my  lessons,  pai'tly  from  a  delicate  state 
c)f  health,  that  produced  languor  of  mind  as  well  as  body; 
but,  I  think,  having  the  name  of  being  stupid,  really  tended 
to  make  me  so,  and  discom-aged  my  efforts  to  learn.  I  re- 
member having  a  poor,  not  to  say  low,  opinion  of  myself, 
and  used  to  think  I  was  so  very  inferior  to  ray  sisters,  Cath- 
erine and  Rachel.  I  believe  I  had  not  a  name  only  for  be- 
ing obstinate,  for  my  nature  then  had  a  strong  tendency  that 
way ;  and  I  was  disposed  to  a  spirit  of  contradiction,  always 
ready  to  see  things  a  little  differently  from  others,  and  not 
willing  to  jdeld  my  sentiments  lo  theii-s. 

" '  My  natuial  affections  were  very  starong  from  my  early 
childhood,  at  times  almost  overwhelmingly  so  f  such  was  the 
love  for  my  mother,  that  the  thought  that  she  might  die  and 
leave  me  used  to  make  me  weep  after  I  went  to  bed,  anc 
for  the  rest  of  the  family,  notwithstanding  my  feai'ful  na- 
ture, my  childlike  wish  was,  that  two  large  walls  might  crush 
us  all  together,  that  we  might  die  at  once,  and  thus  avoid 
the  misery  of  each  other's  death.  I  seldom,  if  I  could  help 
it,  left  my  mother's  side ;  I  watched  her  when  asleep  in  the 
day  with  exquisite  anxiety,  and  used  to  go  gently  to  her 


EARLT  LIFE. 


13 


bedside  to  listen,  from  the  awful  fear  that  she  did  not 
breathe  ;  iii  short,  I  may  truly  say,  it  amounted  to  deep  rev- 
erence that  I  felt  for  my  father  and  mother.  I  never  re- 
member, as  a  little  child,  but  once  being  punished  by  my 
mother;  and  she  then  mistook  tears  of  soitow  for  tears  of 
naughtiness,  a  thing  that  deeply  impressed  me,  and  I  have 
never  foigotten  the  pain  it  gave  me.  Although  I  do  not  im- 
ply that  I  had  no  faults,  far  from  it,  as  some  of  the  faults  of 
my  childhood  are  very  hvely  in  my  recollection ;  yet,  from 
my  extreme  love  and  fear,  many  of  these  faults  were  known 
aliflost  only  to  myself.  My  imagination  was  lively,  and  I 
once  remember,  and  only  once,  telling  a  real  untruth  with 
one  of  my  sisters  and  one  of  my  brothers.  We  saw  a  bright 
light  one  morning,  which  we  represented  far  above  the  real- 
ity, and  upon  the  real  thing  being  shown  us  that  we  had 
seen,  we  made  it  out  not  to  be  it.  My  remembrance  is  of 
the  p,'easiu-e  of  my  childliood  being  almost  spoiled  through 
fear,  and  my  religious  impressions,  such  as  I  had,  were  ac- 
companied by  gloom;  on  this  account  I  think  the  utmost 
cai'e  is  needed  in  representing  religious  truth  to  cki.tj'£u, 
that  fearful  views  of  it  should  be  most  carefully  avoided,  iest 
it  should  give  a  distaste  for  that  which  is  most  precious. 
Fir  st  show  them  the  love  and  mercy  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus, 
and  the  sweetness  and  blessedness  of  His  service ;  and  such 
things  in  Scripture,  for  instance,  as  Abraham's  sacritice, 
should  be  carefully  explained  to  them.  I  think  I  suffered 
much  in  my  youth  from  the  most  tender  nervous  system; 
I  certainly  felt  symptoms  of  ill  health  before  my  mother 
died,  that  I  thought  of  speaking  to  her  about,  but  never  did, 
partjy  because  I  did  not  know  how  to  explain  them ;  but  thej 
ended  afterwards  in  very  severe  attacks  of  illness.  I  have 
always  thought  being  forced  to  bathe  was  one  cause  of  this, 
and  I  mention  it  because  I  believe  it  a  dangerous  thing  to  do 
to  clii'dien.  What  care  is  needful  not  to  force  chiidi-en  to 
learn  too  much,  as  it  not  only  injures  them,  but  gives  a  dis- 
taste to  intellectual  puisuils.    Tnsi-.nietion  should  be  adai^t- 


14 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


ed  to  their  condition,  and  communicated  in  an  easy  and 
agreeable  way. 

"How  great  is  the  importance  of  a  wise  mother,  directing 
the  tastes  of  her  children  in  very  eai"ly  life,  and  judiciously 
influencing-  their  affections.  I  remember  with  pleasure  my 
mother's  bed  for  wild  flowers,  Avhich,  with  delight,  I  used, 
as  a  child  to  attend  to  with  her ;  it  gave  me  such  pleasure  in 
observing  their  beauties  and  varieties ;  that  though  I  never 
have  had  time  to  become  a  botanist,  few  can  imagine,  in  my 
weary  journeys,  how  I  have  been  pleased  and  refreshed,  by 
observing  and  enjoying  the  wild  flowers  on  my  way.  Again, 
she  collected  shells,  and  had  a  cabinet,  and  bought  one  for 
Kachel  and  myself,  where  we  placed  our  curiosities  ;  and  I 
may  truly  say,  in  the  midst  even  of  deep  trouble,  and  often 
most  weighty  engagements  of  a  religious  and  philanthropio 
nature,  I  have  derived  advantage,  refreshment  and  pleasure, 
from  my  taste  for  these  things,  seeking  collections  of  them, 
and  various  natural  curiosities,  although,  as  with  the  flowers, 
I  have  not  studied  them  scientifically. 

'"My  mother  also  encouraged  my  most  close  friendship 
with  my  sister  Eachel,  and  we  had  our  pretty  light  closet, 
our  books,  our  pictures,  our  curiosities,  our  tea  things,  all  to 
ourselves ;  and  as  far  as  I  can  recollect,  we  unitedly  partook 
of  these  pleasures  without  any  of  the  little  jealousies  or  the 
quarrels  of  childhood. 

" '  My  mother,  as  far  as  she  knew,  really  trained  us  up  in 
the  fear  and  love  of  the  Lord.  My  deep  impression  is,  that 
Bhe  was  a  devoted  follower  of  the  Lord  Jesus;  but  that  her 
understanding  was  not  fully  enlightened  as  to  the  fa  nes3 
of  Gospel  truths :  she  taught  us  as  far  as  she  knew,  and  I 
now  remember  the  solemn  religious  feelings  I  had  whilst 
sitting  in  silence  with  her,  after  reading  the  Scripture,  and 
a  Psalm  before  we  went  to  bed.  I  have  no  doubt  that  her 
prayers  were  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  She  died  wheu  I  was 
twelve  years  old ;  the  remembrance  of  her  illness  and  death 
is  sad,  even  to  the  present  day. ' 


EAKLY  UFB. 


iS 


"Among  the  vast  changes  of  the  last  century,  there  was 
DO  change  greater  than  that  which  took  place  in  the  educa- 
tion of  women. 

"Addison  and  his  coadjutors  were  among  the  foremost  to 
teach  the  women  of  modern  England,  that  they  possessed 
powers  of  mind  and  capabilities  of  usefulness. 

"Many,  as  they  sipped  theii'  coffee  with  the  Spectator  of  the 
morning  in  theh  hand,  were  awakened  to  the  consciousness 
of  a  higher  destiny  for  woman,  than  the  labor  of  the  tapesti-y 
frame,  or  pui'suits  of  an  enthely  frivolous  nature.  A  taste 
for  reading  became  more  or  less  general.  The  heavy  wis- 
dom of  Johnson,  the  lighter  wit  of  Swift,  the  sathe  of  Pope, 
the  pathos  of  Gray,  and  the  close  painting  of  Goldsmith, 
foimd  among  women  not  only  those  who  could  enjoy,  but 
who  could  appreciate  their  different  excellencies  Mrs.  Mon- 
tague, Mrs.  Carter,  Mrs.  Chapone,  with  a  group  of  gifted 
friends  and  associates,  proved  to  the  world  the  possibility 
of  high  literary  attainments  existing  with  every  feminino 
gi'ace  and  vii-tue.  The  stimulus  was  given,  but  like  all  oth- 
er changes  in  society,  the  opposite  extreme  was  reached  bo 
fore  the  right  and  reasonable  was  discovered.  Infidelity  waa 
making  slow  though  sure  advances  upon  the  continent 
Kosseau  and  Voltaue  were  but  types  of  the  state  of  feeling 
and  principles  in  France.  The  effects  gradually  extended 
to  our  own  country,  and  England  has  to  blush  for  the  per- 
version of  female  tpk-nt,  the  evil  influence  of  which  was  on- 
ly- counteracted  by  its  showing  as  a  beacon  light,  to  warn 
others  from  shipwreck.  Science,  and  philosophy,  so  called, 
advanced  and  flourished,  but  by  their  side  flourished  the 
Upas  tiee  of  infidelity,  poisoning  with  its  noxious  breath 
the  flowers  and  the  fruits  otherwise  so  pleasant  to  the  eye, 
and  so  good  for  the  use  of  man.  The  writings  of  Hannah 
More  were  well  calculated  to  enhghten  and  improve  her  sex; 
she  spoke  as  woman  can  alone  speak  to  women ;  but  she  was 
then  only  rising  into  celebrity,  and  as  an  author  was  little 
known. 


16 


ELIZABETH  FBT 


"Norwich  had  not  escaped  the  general  contagion.  On 
the  contrary,  at  the  period  of  which  we  speak,  it  was  noted 
for  the  chai'm,  the  talent,  and  the  skepticism  of  the  society 
of  the  town  and  neighborhood.  The  death  of  Sirs.  Gurney 
had  left  her  seven  daughters  unprotected  by  a  mother's  care 
to  pursue  the  difficult  path  of  early  womanhood. 

"  They  appear  to  have  been  rich  in  attraction  and  talent, 
lively  and  original,  possessing  a  peculiar  freshness  of  char- 
acter, with  singular  purity  of  purpose  and  warmth  of  affec- 
tion. But  their  faith  was  obscure,  and  their  principles  nec- 
essarily unfixed  and  wavering.  They  appreciated  the  beau- 
ty and  excellence  of  religion  ;  but  it  was  more  natural  than 
revealed  religion  with  they  were  acquainted. 

"  There  was  something  of  mysticism  amongst  the  Qua- 
kers of  that  day,  and  by  no  means  the  clear  and  general  ac- 
knowledgment of  the  doctrine  of  the  *  Trinity  in  Uiiity^ 
as  revealed  in  the  New  Testament,  which  is  now  to  be  met 
with  amongst  the  greater  part  of  the  Society  of  Friends. 
To  the  present  time,  that  expres.sion  as  designating  the  De- 
ity is  not  in  use  among  them,  from  its  not  being  found  ia 
the  Bible.  The  family  of  Sir.  Gurney,  thus  left  to  their  own 
resources,  unaccustomed  to  the  study  of  the  Scriptures,  and 
with  no  other  source  of  information  from  which  to  learn,  for 
a  time  were  permitted  to  '  stumble  upon  the  dark  mountains 
seeking  rest  and  finding  none.' 

"  These  remarks  apply  especially  to  the  three  older  daugh- 
ters, as  they  gradually  advanced  in  life.  The  four  younger 
ones,  sheltered  in  the  schoolroom,  were  comparatively  spared 
the  difficulties  through  which  their  sisters  were  pioneering 
the  way.  Mr.  Gurney's  occupations,  both  public  and  pri- 
vate, and  his  naturally  trustful  disposition,  prevented  his 
seeing  all  the  dangers  to  which  they  were  exposed.  They 
formed  many  acquaintances,  and  some  friendships,  with  per- 
sons greatly  gifted  by  nature,  but  fearfully  tainted  with  the 
prevailing  errors  of  the  day.  Great  pain  and  bitter  disap- 
pointment resulted  from  these  connexions ;  but  demanding 


EARLY  LIFE 


17 


only  an  allusion  here,  as  they  indirectly  aflfected  Elizabeth 
through  the  suffering  of  others,  and  the  experience  gained  to 
herself. 

"  To  the  gayeties  of  the  world,  in  the  usual  acceptation  ol 
the  term,  they  were  but  little  exposed.  Music  and  dancing 
are  not  allowed  by  Friends;  though  a  scruple  as  to  the  for- 
mer is  by  no  means  universal.  Mr.  Gurney  had  no  objec- 
tion to  music :  they  all  had  a  taste  for  it,  though  almost  un- 
cultivated ;  some  of  them  sang  delightfully.  The  sweet  and 
thrilling  pathos  of  their  native  warblings  is  still  remembered 
with  pleasure  by  those  who  heard  them,  especially  the  duets 
of  Rachel  and  Elizabeth.  They  danced  occasionally  in  the 
large  ante-room  leading  to  the  drawing-room,  but  with  little 
of  the  spirit  of  display  so  often  manifested  on  these  occa- 
sions. It  was  more  an  effusion  of  young  joyous  hearts,  who 
thus  sought  and  found  an  outlet  for  their  mirth.  When  her 
health  permitted  it,  no  one  of  the  party  entered  with  more 
zest  into  these  amusements  than  Elizabeth.  Her  figure  tall, 
and  at  that  time  slight  and  graceful,  was  peculiarly  fitted 
for  dancing.  She  was  also  an  excellent  horse-woman,  and 
rode  fearlessly  and  well ;  but  she  suffered  much  from  deli- 
cacy of  constitution,  and  was  liable  to  severe  nervous  attacks 
which  often  impeded  her  joining  her  sisters  in  their  differ- 
ent objects  and  pursuits.  In  countenance,  she  is  described 
as  having  been  as  a  young  person  very  sweet  and  pleasing, 
with  a  profusion  of  soft  flaxen  hair,  though  perhaps  not  so 
glowing  as  some  of  her  sisters. 

"She  had  much  native  grace,  and  to  many  people  was 
very  attractive.  Elizabeth  was  not  studious  by  nature,  and 
was,  as  a  child,  though  gentle  and  quiet  in  temper,  selfwilled 
and  determined.  In  a  letter,  written  before  she  was  three 
years  old,  her  mother  thus  mentions  her; — 'My  dove-lik© 
Betsey  scarcely  ever  offends,  and  is,  in  every  sense  of  the 
word,  truly  engaging.'  Her  dislike  to  learning  proved  a 
serious  disadvantage  to  her  after  she  lost  her  mother ;  her 
education,  consequently  being  defective  and  unfinished.  In 


19 


EUZABETH  FBT. 


natural  talent,  she  was  qiiick  and  penetrating,  and  had  a 
flepth  of  originality  very  uncommon.  As  she  grew  older, 
enterprise  and  benevolence  were  two  prominent  featm-es  in 
her  character.  In  contemplating  her  pecuhar  gifts,  it  is 
Underfill  to  observe  the  adaptation  of  her  natural  qualities 
to  .'her  future  career;  and  how,  through  the  transforming 
power  of  divine  grace,  each  one  became  subservient  to  the 
highest  purposes.  Her  natural  timidity  changed  to  the  op- 
posite virtue  of  courage,  but  with  such  holy  moderation  and 
nice  discretion,  as  never  failed  to  direct  it  ai'ight.  The  touch 
of  obstinacy  she  displayed  as  a  child,  became  that  finely 
tempered  decision  and  firmness  which  enabled  her  to  execute 
her  projects  for  the  good  of  her  fellow  creatures.  That 
frhich  in  childhood  was  something  not  unlike  cunning,  ripen- 
ed into  the  most  uncommon  penetration,  long-sightedness, 
end  skill  in  influencing  the  minds  of  those  around  her. 
Her  disinclination  to  the  common  methods  of  learning  ap- 
pearfid  to  be  connected  with  much  original  thought,  and  a 
tml^^'^eting  on  its  own  resovu'ces ;  for  she  certainly  always 
possessed  more  genius,  and  ready,  quick  comprehension, 
tJjan  apphcation  or  argument. 

*'Such  were  the  circumstances,  and  such  the  character  of 
Elizabeth  Gumey  and  her  sisters,  after  the  death  of  their 
mother :  and  years  passed  on,  with  few  changes,  but  such  as 
aecessarily  came  with  the  lapse  of  time,  and  their  advance 
ia  age.  But  He  who  had  purposes  of  mercy  towards  them, 
In  His  own  way,  and  in  His  own  good  time,  was  prepaiing 
for  them  emancipation  from  their  doubts,  and^gl^t  for  their 
darkness.  Wonderful  is  it  to  mark  how,  by  little  and  little, 
through  various  instruments,  through  mentaJ  conflicts, 
through  bitter  experience,  He  gradually  led  then;,  each  one, 
into  the  meridian  light  of  day — the  glorious  liberty  of  the 
ehildi-en  of  God. 

"At  a  time  when  religion  in  a  more  gloomy  form  might 
not  have  gained  a  hearing,  when  the  graver  countenance  of 
sebuke  would  probably  have  been,  unheeded,  a  gentleman 


EAELY  LIFE. 


became  acquainted  with  the  Earlham  family,  of  high  princi* 
pie  and  cultivated  mind.  With  him  the  sisters  formed  A 
Strong  and  lasting  friendship.  He  addi'essed  himself  to 
thpir  understandings  on  the  grand  doctrines  of  Christianity; 
he  referred  them  to  the  written  word  as  the  rule  of  life ; 
lent  them,  and  read  with  them,  books  of  a  reUgious  tendeib* 
cy.  He  treated  rehgion,  as  such,, with  reverence;  and  at* 
though  himself  a  Roman  Catholic,  he  abstained  from  every 
controversial  topic,  nor  ever  used  his  influence,  directly  ok 
indirectly,  in  favor  of  his  own  church.  There  was  another 
individual  who  proved  an  important  instrument  in  leading 
the  sisters  to  sound  views  of  rehgion,  though,  when  first  ac- 
quainted with  them,  herseK  wandering  in  the  wUdemess  of 
doubt,  if  not  of  error.  This  was  Marianne  Galton,  afterward 
Mrs.  Schimmel  Penninck.  Being  a  highly  educated  persoq, 
of  great  mental  power,  and  accustomed  to  exercise  her  ablE* 
ities  in  the  use  of  her  reason  and  an  honest  seai'ch  aftof 
truth,  she  acquired  considerable  influence  over  them.  Ab 
the  truth  of  revelation  opened  upon  her  own  imderstanding, 
and  her  heart  became  influenced  by  it,  they  shai-ed  in  har 
advance,  and  profited  by  her  experience.  There  were  otheu 
individuals  with  -whom  they  associated,  whose  influence  waj 
desu'able,  but  leas  p,owerfuJ,  than  that  of  either  Miss  Galtofi 
nr  Mr.  Pitchf ordL 

"They  appear  ajso  to  have  derived  advantage,  at  times* 
ficom  the  reUgious  visits  of  Friends  to  Earlham.  The  f ami- 
ly'-(if'  Ml-.  Gm-ney  were  in  the  habit  of  attending  no  place  of 
worship  but  the  Friends'  meeting.  The  attendance  of  Eliz- 
abeth was  continually  impeded  by  want  of  health,  and  it  is 
difficult;  to  know  when  the  habit  of  absenting  herself  might 
ha-vie/befim^broken  througjj,  but  for  her  uncle,  Joseph  Gur- 
ney,  who  urged  ihe  duty  upon  her  and  encouraged  her  to 
make  the^attempt.  He  was  a  decided  Friend,  and  had  muob 
influence  with  he,ir,  both  then  and  during  her  subsequent  hie. 
She , was  readyj-indeed  to  essay  anything  that  might  tend  to 
satisfy  liOU  aousoiejaoe,  ut  metit  tiia  cravings  Oi.  her  heart  Air 


no 


ELIZABETH  FEY. 


a  sometliing  -wliicli  as  yet  slie  had  not  obtained.  There  itt 
occasionally  to  be  met  with  in  the  character  of  fallen  man  s 
longing  after  perfection — after  that  which  can  alone  satisf J 
the  immortal  spirit:  this  she  experienced  in  no  commosi 
measui;^  Her  journal  is  replete  with  desires  after  'virtue"" 
and  'truth.'  She  seeks  and  finds  God  in  His  works,  but  as 
yet  she  had  not  found  Him  as  He  stands  revealed  in  the  page 
of  inspiration-" 

I  shall  now  present  such  selections  frcm  the  Journal 
as  seem  best  adapted  to  give  a  clear  and  life-like  portralit  of 
Elizabeth  Fry's  mind,  character  and  career.  Happily  the 
materials  are  so  abundant  as  chiefly  to  require  an  exercise  of 
judgment  in  omitting  those  which  may,  with  least  inju* 
tj,  be  sacrificed  to  the  demands  of  brevity. 

"My  mind  is  in  so  dark  a  state  that  I  s«e  everything 
through  a  black  medium." 

"I  see  everything  darklyTT— I  can  comprehend  nothing— -I 
(loubt  upon  everything." 

April. — Without  passions  of  any  land  how  different  1 
should  be.  I  would  not  give  them  up,  but  i  should  like  to 
have  them  under  subjection;  but  it  appears  to  me,  as  I 
feel,  impossible  to  govern  them ;  my  mind  is  not  strong 
enough,  as  I  at  times  think  they  do  no  harm  to  others.  But 
ftm  I  sure  they  will  hurt  no  one?  I  believe  by  not  govern- 
ing myself  in  little  things  I  may  by  degi'ees  become  a  des- 
picable character,  and  a  curse  to  society ;  therefore  my  doing 
Vn:ong  is  of  consequence  to  others  as  well  as  to  myself." 

"April  25th. — I  feel  by  experience  how  much  entering  in- 
to the  world  hurts  me ;  worldly  company  I  think  materially 
Injures;  it  excites  a  false  stimulus,  such  as  a  love  of  pomp, 
pride,  vanity,  jealousy,  and  ambition ;  it  leads  to  think  about 
dress  and  such  trifles,  and  when  out  of  it  we  fly  to  novels 
and  scandal,  or  something  of  that  kind,  for  entertainment. 


EAELY  LIFE 


21 


J  have  lately  been  given  up  a  good  ai6al  to  worldly  passions^ 
By  what  I  have  felt  I  can  easily  imagine  how  soon  I  should 
be  quite  led  away. 

"  2'dth. — I  met  the  Prince,*  it  showed  me  the  folly  of  the 
world ;  my  mind  feels  very  fiat  after  this  storm  of  pleasure, 

"May  16«A. — There  is  a  sort  of  luxury  ia  giving  ^tvay  to 
the  feelings !  I  love  to  feel  for  the  sorrows  of  others,  16  poor 
'mne  and  oil  into  the  wounds  of  the  afflicted  :  there  is  a  lux*- 
Ury  in  feeling  the  heart  glow,  whether  it  be  vrith  joy  or  sor* 
JfoW.  I  think  the  different  periods  of  life  may  well  be  con?* 
pared  to  the  different  seasons. 

■ "  I  love  to  think  of  every  thing,  to  look  at  mankind ;  I  love 
fo  'look  through  Nature  up  to  Nature's  God.'  I  have  no 
more  religion  than  that,  and  in  the  little  I  have  I  am  not  the 
Jeast  devotional ;  but  when  I  admii-e  the  beauties  of  Natura 
I  cannot  help  thinking  of  the  Source  from  whence  such  beai?- 
ties  flow.  I  feel  it  a  support ;  I  believe  firmly  that  all  iS 
guided  for  the  best  by  an  invisible  Power,  therefore  I  do  not 
feel  the  evils  of  Ufe  so  much.  I  love  to  feel  good,  I  do  whal 
I  can  to  be  Mnd  to  everybody.  I  have  many  faults  which  1 
hope  in  tiSie  to  overcome. 

"Monday,  May  21st.— ^  am  seventeen  t6-day.  Am  I  g 
happier  or  a  better  creature  than  I  was  this  time  twelve* 
month?  I  know  I  am  happier ;  I  think  I  am  better.  I  hopfl 
I  shall  be  much  better  this  day  year  than  I  am  now.  I  hop9 
to  be  quite  an  altered  person,  to  have  more  knowledge,  tO 
have  my  mind  in  greater  order;  and  my  heart  too — th£^ 
wants  to  be  put  in  order  as  much,  if  not  more,  than  any  parii 
of  me,  it  is  in  such  a  fly-away  State ;  but  I  think  if  ev6r 
were  settled  on  one  subject  it  would  never,  no  never  fl^ 
away  any  more ;  it  would  rest  guietly  and  happily  on  the 
heart  that  was  open  to  receive  it ;  it  will  then  be  more  con* 


*H.  R.  H.  William  Frederick,  afterwards  Duke  of  Gloucester,  tbei^ 
quartered,  with  bis  regiment,  at  Norwich. 


22 


JELIZABETH  PKY. 


Btant ;  it  is  not  my  fault  it  now  flies  away,  it  is  owing  to 
circumstances. 

'■'■Monday,  June. — I  am  at  this  present  time  in  an  odd 
state ;  I  am  like  a  ship  put  to  sea  without  a  pilot ;  I  feel  my 
heart  and  mind  so  overburdened.  I  want  some  one  to  lean 
upon. 

( "Written  on  a  bright  summer's  morning.) 

"Is  there  not  a  ray  of  perfection  midst  the  sweets  of  this 
morning?  I  do  think  there  is  something  perfect  from 
which  all  good  flows. 

'■'Juue  20th. — ^If  I  have  long  to  live  in  this  world  may  I 
bear  misfortunes  with  fortitude ;  do  what  I  can  to  alleviate 
the  sorrows  of  others ;  exert  what  power  I  have  to  increase 
happiness ;  try  to  govern  my  passions  by  reason,  and  ad- 
here strictly  to  what  I  think  right. 

"July  1th. — I  have  seen  several  things  in  myself  and  oth- 
ers I  have  never  before  remarked ;  but  I  have  not  tried  to 
improve  myself;  I  have  given  way  to  my  passions  and  let 
them  have  command  over  me.  I  have  known  my  faults  and 
have  not  corrected  them,  and  now  I  am  determined  I  will 
once  more  try,  with  redoubled  ardor,  to  overcome  my  wick- 
ed inclinations.  I  must  not  flirt ;  I  must  not  be  out  of 
temper  with  the  children ;  I  must  not  contradict  without  a 
cause ;  I  must  not  mump  when  my  sisters  are  liked  and  I 
am  not ;  I  must  not  allow  myself  to  be  angry ;  I  must  not 
exaggerate,  which  I  am  inclined  to  ;  I  must  not  give  way  to 
luxury ;  I  must  not  be  idle  in  mind;  I  must  try  to  give  way 
to  every  good  feeling  and  overcome  every  bad.  I  will  see 
what  I  can  do :  if  I  had  but  perseverance,  I  could  do  all  that 
I  wish ;  I  will  try.  I  have  lately  been  too  satirical,  so  as  to 
hurt  sometimes ;  remember,  it  is  a  fault  to  hurt  others. 

"  8iA. — A  much  better  day,  though  many  faults. 

"lO^A. — Some  poor  people  were  here;  I  do  not  think  I 
gave  them  what  I  did  with  a  good  heart.  I  am  incUned  to 
give  away  ;  but  for  a  week  past,  owing  to  not  having  much 
money,  I  have  been  mean  and  extravagant.  Shamefull 


EAKLT  LIFE. 


23 


Whilst  I  live  may  I  be  generous  ;  it  is  my  nature,  and  I  will 
not  overcome  so  good  a  feeling.  I  am  inclined  to  be  ex- 
travagant and  that  leads  to  meanness,  for  those  who  Vvill 
throw  away  a  good  deal  are  apt  to  mind  giving  a  little. 

"  11th. — I  am  in  a  most  idle  mind,  and  inclined  to  have 
an  indolent,  dissipated  day ;  but  I  will  try  to  overcome  it 
and  see  how  far  I  can.  I  am  well ;  oh  most  inestimable  of 
comforts!  Happy,  happy  I,  to  be  so  well !  how  good,  how 
virtuous  ought  I  to  be !  May  what  I  have  suffered  be  a  les- 
son to  me,  to  feel  for  those  who  are  ill,  and  alleviate  their 
sorrows  as  far  as  lies  in  my  power ;  let  it  teach  me  never  to 
forget  the  blessings  I  enjoy.  I  ought  never  to  be  unhappy. 
Look  back  at  this  time  last  year ;  how  ill  I  was,  how  miser- 
able! yet  I  was  supported  through  it.  God  will  support 
through  the  suffering  he  inflicts.  If  I  were  devotional,  I 
should  fall  on  my  knees  and  be  most  grateful  for  the  bless- 
ings I  enjoy ; — a  good  father,  one  whom  I  dearly  love,  sis- 
ters formed  after  my  own  heart,  friends  whom  I  admire, 
and  good  health  which  gives  a  relish  to  all.  Company  to  din- 
ner; I  must  beware  of  being  a  flirt,  it  is  an  abominable  char- 
acter ;  I  hope  I  shall  never  be  one,  and  yet  I  fear  I  am  one 
now  a  little.  Be  careful  not  to  talk  at  random.  Beware, 
and  see  how  well  I  can  get  through  this  day,  without  one 
foolish  action.  If  I  do  pass  this  day  without  one  foolish 
action,  it  is  the  first  I  ever  passed  so.  If  I  pass  a  day  with 
only  a  few  foolish  actions  I  may  think  it  a  good  one. 

"  2oth. — This  book  is  quite  a  little  friend  to  my  heart ;  it 
is  next  to  communicating  my  feelings  to  another  person. 
I  would  not  but  write  in  it  for  something,  for  it  is  most 
comfortable  to  read  it  over  and  see  the  different  workinsrs 
of  my  heart  and  soul. 

"30iA., — Pride  and  vanity  are  too  much  the  incentives  to 
most  of  the  actions  of  men.  They  produce  a  love  of  admi- 
ration, and  in  thinking  of  the  opinions  of  others  we  are  too  apt 
to  forget  the  monitor  within.  We  should  first  look  to  our- 
selves, and  try  to  make  ourselves  virtuous,  and  then  pleas-i 


24 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


tag.  Those  who  are  tnily  virtuous  not  only  do  themselveB 
good,  but  they  add  to  the  good  of  all.  All  have  a  portion 
entrusted  to  them  for  the  general  good,  and  those  who  cher- 
ish and  preserve  it  are  blessings  to  society  at  large;  and 
those  who  do  not,  become  a  curse.  It  is  wonderfully  order- 
ed, how  in  acting  for  our  own  good  we  promote  the  good  of 
others.  My  idea  of  religion  is,  not  for  it  to  unfit  us  for  the 
duties  of  this  life,  like  a  nun  who  leaves  them  for  prayer  and 
thanksgiving,  but  I  think  it  should  stimulate  and  capacitate 
us  to  perform  these  duties  properly.  Seeing  my  father  low 
this  evening,  I  have  done  all  I  could  to  make  him  comforta- 
ble ;  I  feel  it  one  of  my  first  duties ;  I  hope  he  will  always 
find  in  me  a  most  true  and  affectionate  daughter. 

'■^Augmt  ist. — have  done  Uttie  to-day,  I  am  so  very 
idle.  Instead  of  improving  I  fear  I  go  back.  My  inclina- 
tions lead  me  to  be  an  idle,  flirting,  worldly  gii-1.  I  see  what 
would  be  acting  right,  but  I  have  neither  activity  nor  perse- 
verance in  what  I  think  right.  I  am  like  one  setting  out  on 
a  journey;  if  I  set  out  on  the  wi'oug  road,  and  do  not  tiy  to 
recover  the  right  one  before  I  have  gone  far,  I  shall  most 
likely  lose  my  way  foreveb,  and  every  step  I  take  the  more 
difficult  shall  I  find  it  to  retuic ;  therefore  the  temptation 
will  be  greater  to  go  on,  till  I  get  to  destruction.  On  the 
contrary,  if  now,  w^hilst  I  am  innocent  of  any  great  faults,  I 
turn  into  the  right  path,  I  shall  soon  feel  more  and  more 
contented  every  step  I  take.  Trifles  occupy  me  far  too  much, 
such  as  dress,  &c.,  &c.  I  find  it  easier  to  acknowledge  my 
vices  than  my  follies. 

«6«^. — I  have  a  cress  to-night.  I  had  very  much  set  my 
mind  on  going  to  the  oratorio,  the  Prince  is  to  be  there,  and 
by  all  accounts  it  will  be  quite  a  grand  sight,  and  there  wiL' 
be  the  finest  music ;  but  if  my  father  does  not  like  me  to  go 
much  as  I  wish  it  I  will  give  it  up  with  pleasure,  if  it  be  in 
my  power,  without  a  murmur  I  went  to  the  oratorio;  I 
enjoyed  it  but  spoke  sadly  at  random ,  what  a  bad  habit! 

^^Aug.  12th. — I  do  not  know  if  I  shall  not  soon  be  rather 


EARLY  UPE. 


25 


relifjious,  because  I  have  thought  lately  what  a  support  it  ia 
through  life ;  it  seems  so  delightful  to  depend  on  a  superior 
Power  for  all  that  is  good ;  it  is  at  least  always  having  the 
bosom  of  a  friend  open  to  us,  to  rest  all  our  cares  and  sor- 
rows upon ;  and  what  must  be  our  feelings  to  imagine  that 
fiiend  perfect,  and  guiding  all  and  everything  as  it  should 
be  guided.  I  think  anybody  who  had  real  faith  could  never 
be  unhappy ;  it  appears  the  only  certain  source  of  support 
and  comfort  in  this  hfe,  and  what  is  best  of  all  it  draws  to 
vii'tue,  and  if  the  idea  be  ever  so  ill-founded  that  leads  to 
that  great  object,  why  should  we  shun  it?  Religion  has 
been  misused  and  corrupted:  that  is  no  reason  why  religion 
itself  is  not  good. 

"15th. — For  a  few  days  past  I  have  been  in  a  worldly  state, 
dissipated,  a  want  of  thought,  idle,  relaxed  and  stupid,  all 
outside,  no  inside.  I  feel  I  am  a  contemptible  fine  lady. 
May  I  be  preserved  from  continuing  so,  is  the  ardent  prayer 
of  my  good  man,  hxit  my  evil  man  tells  me  I  shall  pray  in 
vain.  I  will  try.  I  fear  for  myself.  I  feel  in  the  course  of 
a  little  time  I  shall  be  all  outside  frippery,  vain,  proud,  con- 
ceited. I  could  use  improper  words  at  myself,  but  my  good 
man  will  not  let  me.  But  I  am  good  in  something;  it  is 
vdcked  to  despair  of  myself ;  it  is  the  way  to  make  me  what 
I  desire  not  to  be.  I  hope  I  shall  always  be  virtuous ;  can 
I  be  really  wicked  ?  I  may  be  so,  if  I  do  not  overcome  my 
first  weak  inclinations.  I  wish  I  had  more  solidity  and  less 
fluidity  in  my  disposition.  I  feel  my  own  weakness  and  in- 
sufficiency to  bear  the  evils  and  rubs  of  life.  I  must  try  by 
every  stimulus  in  my  power  to  strengthen  myself  both  bodi- 
ly and  mentally ;  it  can  only  be  done  by  activity  and  perse- 
verance." 


How  beautiful  is  this  deliberate  stepping  forward  of 
the  young  and  ardent  spiiit  into  the  doorway  of  eternal 


26 


ELIZABETH  FEY 


happiness  !  "  I  will  try  what  prayer  can  do,"  said  Elizabeth 
Gurney ;  and  she  was  so  well  satisfied  with  the  result  that 
prayer  became  her  staff  in  life  and  her  pillow  in  death. 

Soon  after  this  time  a  Quaker  preacher  from  America, 
named  William  Savery,  visited  Norwich,  and  his  ministry 
had  the  effect  of  fanning  the  secretly  burning  embers  of  pi- 
ety into  an  open  flame.  This  important  event  is  thus  de- 
scribed by  one  of  Elizabeth's  sisters : — 

"On  that  day  we  seven  sisters  sat,  as  usual,  in  a  row  un- 
der the  gallery  (the  speakers'  seat,)  at  Meeting;  I  sat  by 
Betsey.  "William  Savery  was  there — we  liked  having  Year- 
ly Meeting  Friends  come  to  preach ;  it  was  a  little  change. 
Betsey  was  generally  rather  restless  at  Meeting;  and  on 
ihis  day  I  remember  her  very  smart  boots  were  a  greai 
amusement  to  me;  they  were  purple,  laced  with  scarlet  At 
last  William  Savery  began  to  preach.  His  voice  and  mRO- 
ner  were  arrestmg,  and  we  all  liked  the  sound.  Her  atten- 
tion became  fixed.  At  last  I  saw  her  begin  to  weep,  and  she 
became  a  good  deal  agitated.  As  soon  as  meeting  was  over 
I  have  a  remembrance  of  her  making  her  way  to  the  men's 
side  of  the  meeting,  and,  having  found  my  father,  she  asked 
bim  if  she  might  dine  vnth  Mr.  Savery,  at  the  Grove,  (the 
residence  of  an  uncle,)  to  which  he  soon  consented,  though 
ratber  surprised  by  the  request.  We  went  home  as  usual, 
and.  lor  a  wonder,  wished  to  go  again  in  the  afternoon.  I 
have  not  the  same  clear  remembrance  of  this  meeting,  but 
tbe  next  scene  that  has  fastened  .'tself  on  my  memory  is  our 
return  home  in  the  carriage,  Betsey  sat  in  the  middle  and 
astonished  us  all  by  the  great  feeling  she  showed.  She  wept 
most  of  the  way  home.  The  next  morning  William  Savery 
came  to  breakfast,  prophesying  of  the  high  and  important 
calling  she  would  be  led  into.  What  she  went  thi'ough  in 
her  own  mind  I  cannot  say,  but  the  rpsults  were  most  pow- 


IABI.T  LIFE. 


27 


erful,  and  most  evident.  From  that  day  her  love  of  pleas- 
are  and  of  the  world  seemed  gone." 

The  description  from  the  inner  side  is  as  follows: 

Sunday,  February  4:th,  1798. — This  morning  I  went  to 
meeting,  though  but  poorly,  because  I  wished  to  hear  an 
Ajnerican  Friend  named  William  Savery.  Much  passed  there 
of  a  very  interesting  nature.  I  have  had  a  faint  light  spread 
over  my  mind,  at  least  I  think  it  is  something  of  that  kind, 
owing  to  having  been  much  with,  and  heard  much  excellence 
from  one  who  appears  to  me  a  true  Christian.  It  has  caused 
me  to  feel  a  little  religion.  My  imagination  has  been  worked 
upon,  and  I  fear  all  that  I  felt  will  go  off.  I  /ear  it  now 
though  at  first  I  was  frightened  that  a  plain  Quaker  should 
have  made  so  deep  an  impression  on  me;  but  how  truly 
prejudiced  in  one  to  think  that  because  good  came  from  a 
Quaker  I  should  be  led  away  by  enthusiasm  and  foUy.  But 
I  hope  I  am  now  free  from  such  fears.  I  wish  the  state  of 
enthusiasm  I  am  in  may  last,  for  to-day  I  have  felt  that  there 
is  a  God ;  I  have  been  devotional,  and  my  mind  has  been 
ed  away  from  the  folUes  that  it  is  mostly  wrapt  up  in.  We 
had  much  serious  conversation ;  in  short,  what  he  said  and 
what  I  felt  was  like  a  refreshing  shower  falling  upon  earth 
that  had  been  dried  up  for  ages.  It  has  not  made  me  un- 
happy :  I  have  felt  ever  since  humble.  I  have  longed  for 
virtue.  I  hope  to  be  truly  virtuous ;  to  let  sophistry  fly 
6:0m  my  mind ;  not  to  be  enthusiastic  and  f ooUsh,  but  only 
to  be  so  far  religious  as  will  lead  to  virtue.  There  seems 
nothing  so  little  understood  as  religion. 

**6<A. — My  mind  has  by  degrees  flown  from  religion.  I 
rode  to  Norwich  and  had  a  very  serious  ride  there;  but 
meeting  and  being  looked  at  with  apparent  admiration  by 
some  officers  brought  on  vanity,  and  I  came  home  as  full  of 
the  world  as  I  went  to  town  full  of  heaven. 

**tSundayt  llth.-~lt  is  very  different  to  this  day  week  (a 


28 


ELIZABETH  FET. 


day  never  to  be  forgotten  while  memcry  lasts).  I  have  been 
to  meeting  this  morning.  To-day  1  felt  all  my  old  iiTelig- 
ious  feelings  My  object  shaU  be  to  search,  to  try  to  do 
right,  and  if  I  am  mistaken  it  is  not  my  fault;  bat  the  state 
I  am  now  in  makes  it  difficult  to  act.  What  little  religion  I 
have  felt  has  been  owing  to  my  giving  way  quietly  and  hum- 
bly to  my  feelings.  But  the  more  I  reason  upon  it  the 
more  I  get  into  a  labyinnth  of  uncertainty,  and  my  mind  ia 
so  much  inclined  to  both  scepticism  and  enthusiasm  that  if 
I  argue  and  doubt  I  shall  be  a  total  sceptic;  if  on  the  con- 
trary I  give  way  to  my  feelings,  and,  as  it  were,  wait  for  re- 
ligion, I  may  be  led  away.  But  I  hope  that  will  not  be  the 
case ;  at  all  events,  religion  true  and  uncorrupted  is  of  all 
coinf orts  the  greatest ;  it  is  the  first  stimulus  to  virtue ;  it 
is  a  support  under  every  affliction.  I  am  eui'e  it  is  better  to 
be  so  in  an  enthusiastic  degree  ihan  not  to  be  so  at  all,  for 
it  is  a  delightful  enthusiasm.'' 

Soon  after  this  she  visited  London,  and  spent  seven  weeks 
in  the  Metropolis.  She  mingled  freely  in  the  gaieties  of  city 
life,  went  to  balls,  theaters,  social  gatherings,  etc.,  and  at 
other  times  attended  the  meetings  of  her  own  sober,  re- 
ligious society.  It  was  a  crucial  test  for  her  of  the  rival 
claims  of  the  World  and  Religion.  She  tried  both,  and 
freely  and  heartily  chose  the  latter.  In  after  life  she  es- 
teemed this  experience  of  great  value  to  her.  She  agair 
met  her  American  evangehst  at  this  time,  and  thus  re- 
cords her  impressions  and  progress: 

March  11  th,  1798. — May  I  never  forget  the  impression 
Wniiam  Savery  has  made  on  my  mind !  As  much  as  I  can 
eay  is,  I  thank  God  for  having  sent  at  least  a  gUmmeriag  of 
light,  thi'ough  him,  into  my  heart,  which  I  hope  with  cai'e, 


EARLY  LIFE 


29 


and  keeping  it  from  the  many  draughts  and  winds  of  this 
life,  may  not  be  blown  out,  but  become  a  large,  brilliant 
flame  that  will  direct  to  that  haven  where  will  be  joy  with- 
out sorrow,  and  all  will  be  comfort.  I  have  faith !  how  much 
is  that  to  gain !  Not  all  the  pleasures  in  this  world  can 
equal  that  heavenly  treasure.  May  I  grow  more  and  more 
vhtuous,  follow  the  path  I  should  go  in,  and  not  fear  to  ac- 
knowledge the  God  whom  I  worship.  I  will  try,  and  I  do 
hope  to  do  what  is  right.  .  .  .  May  I  never  lose  the  lit- 
tle religion  I  now  have;  but  if  I  cannot  feel  religion  and  de- 
votion I  must  not  despair :  for  if  I  am  truly  warm  and  earn- 
est in  the  cause,  it  will  come  one  day.  My  idea  is  that  true 
humility  and  lowliness  of  heart  is  the  first  grand  step  to- 
wards true  religion.  I  fear  and  tremble  for  myself,  but  I 
must  humbly  look  to  the  Author  of  all  that  is  good  and 
great,  and,  I  may  say,  humbly  pray,  that  He  may  take  me 
as  a  sheep  strayed  from  His  flock,  and  once  more  let  me  en- 
ter the  fold  of  His  glory.  I  feel  there  is  a  God  and  Immor- 
tality ;  happy,  happy  thought !  May  it  never  leave  me,  and 
if  it  should  may  I  remember  I  have  felt  that  there  is  a  God 
and  Immortality." 

'■'■April  1\st. — I  am  glad  I  do  not  feel  Earlham  at  all  dull 
after  the  bustle  of  London ;  on  the  contrary  a  better  relish 
for  the  sweet  innocence  and  beauties  of  Nature.  I  hope  I 
may  say  I  do  look  '  through  Nature  up  to  Nature's  God.'  I 
go  every  day  to  see  poor  Rob,  (a  servant  in  declining  health 
living  in  a  cottage  in  the  Park,)  who  I  think  will  not  live. 
I  once  talked  to  him  about  dying,  and  asked  him  if  he  would 
like  me  to  read  to  him  in  the  Testament.  I  told  him  I  felt 
such  faith  in  the  blessings  of  immortality  that  I  pitied  not 
his  state.  It  is  an  odd  speech  to  make  to  a  dying  man.  I 
hope  to  be  able  to  comfort  him  in  his  dying  hours. 

"I  gave  some  things  to  some  poor  people  to-day ;  but  it  is 
not  there  I  am  particularly  virtuous,  as  I  am  only  following 
my  natural  disposition.  I  should  be  far  more  so  if  I  never 
spoke  against  any  person,  which  I  do  too  often.    I  think  I 


so 


XLIZA.BSTH  FBT. 


am  improved  since  I  was  last  at  home,  my  mind  is  not  so 
fly-away.  I  hope  it  will  never  be  so  again.  We  are  all  gov- 
erned by  our  feelings.  Now  the  reason  why  religion  is  far 
more  likely  to  keep  you  in  the  path  of  virtue  than  any  theo- 
retical plan  is  that  you  feel  it,  and  your  heart  is  wrapt  up 
in  it ;  it  acts  as  a  furnace  on  your  character ;  it  refines  it ;  it 
pm-ifies  it ;  whereas  principles  of  your  own  making  are  with- 
out kindling  to  make  the  fire  hot  enough  to  answer  its  pur- 
pose. I  think  a  di-eam  I  have  had  so  odd  I  will  write  it 
down.  Before  I  mention  my  dream  I  wUl  give  an  aecoimt 
of  the  state  of  my  mind  from  the  time  I  was  fourteen  years 
old.  I  had  very  sceptical,  or  deistical  principles.  I  seldom 
or  never  thought  of  religion,  and  altogether  I  was  a  nega- 
tively good  character :  having  naturally  good  dispositions 
I  had  not  much  to  combat  with ;  I  gave  way  freely  to  the 
weaknesses  of  youth.  I  was  flirting,  idle,  rather  proud  and 
vain,  tUl  the  time  I  was  seventeen,  wh«n  I  found  I  wanted 
a  better,  a  greater  stimulus  to  virtue  than  I  had,  as  I  was 
wrapt  up  iu  trifles.  I  felt  my  miad  capable  of  better  things, 
but  I  could  not  exert  it,  till  several  of  my  friends,  without 
knowing  my  state  wished  I  would  read  books  on  Christian- 
it  ;  but  I  said,  till  I  felt  the  want  of  religion  myself  I  would 
not  read  books  of  that  kiud,  but  if  ever  I  did  would  judge 
clearly  for  myself  by  reading  the  New  Testament,  and  when 
I  had  seen  for  myself  I  would  then  see  what  others  said. 
About  this  time  I  believe  I  never  missed  a  week,  or  a  few 
nights,  without  dreaming  I  was  nearly  being  washed  away 
by  the  sea,  sometimes  in  one  way,  sometimes  in  another; 
and  I  felt  all  the  terror  of  being  di'owned,  or  hope  of  being 
saved.  At  last  I  dreamed  it  so  often  that  I  told  many  of 
the  family  what  a  strange  dream  I  had,  and  how  near  I  was 
being  lost.  After  I  had  gone  on  in  this  way  for  some 
months  William  Savery  came  to  Norwich.  I  had  begun  to 
read  the  New  Testament  with  reflections  of  my  own,  and  he 
suddenly,  as  it  were,  opened  my  eyes  to  see  religion ;  but 
again  they  almost  closed.    I  went  on  dreaming  the  dream, 


EABLY  LIFE. 


31 


The  day  when  I  felt  that  I  had  really  and  timly  got  true  and 
real  faith,  that  night  I  di-eamed  the  sea  was  coming  as  usual 
to  wash  me  away,  but  I  was  beyond  its  reach ;  beyond  its 
powers  to  wash  me  away.  Since  that  night  I  do  not  re- 
member to  have  di'eamed  the  di'eam. 

Odd !  It  did  not  strike  me  at  the  time  so  odd ;  but  now  it 
does.  All  I  can  say  is,  I  admii-e  it,  I  am  glad  I  have  had 
it,  and  I  have  a  sort  of  faith  in  it ;  it  ought,  I  think,  to  make 
my  faith  steady.  It  may  be  the  work  of  chance,  but  I  do 
not  think  it  is,  for  it  is  so  odd  not  having  dreamed  it  since. 
What  a  blessed  thought,  to  think  it  comes  from  Heaven. 
May  I  be  capable  of  acting  as  I  ought  to  act ;  not  being 
drowned  in  the  ocean  of  the  woi'ld,  but  permitted  to  mount 
above  its  waves,  and  remain  a  steady  and  faithful  servant  of 
the  God  whom  I  worship.  I  may  take  this  dream  in  what 
hght  I  like,  but  I  must  be  careful  of  superstition,  as  many, 
many  a  e  the  minds  that  are  led  away  by  it ;  believe  only  in 
what  I  can  comprehend  or  feel.  Don't,  don't  be  led  away 
by  enthusiasm;  but  don't  fear.  I  feel  myself  under  the 
protection  of  One  who  alone  is  able  to  guide  me  in  the  path 
in  which  I  ought  to  go. 

"29«A. — The  human  mind  is  apt  to  fly  from  one  extreme 
to  another :  and  why  not  mine  like  others  ?  I  certainly  seem 
to  be  on  the  road  to  a  degree  of  enthusiasm,  but  I  own  my- 
self at  a  loss  how  to  act.  If  I  act  as  they  would  wish  me, 
I  should  not  humbly  give  way  to  the  feelings  of  religion; 
I  should  dwell  on  philosophy,  and  depend  more  on  my  own 
reason  than  anything  else.  On  the  contrary,  if  I  give  way 
to  religious  feelings  to  which  I  am  inclined,  (and  I  own  I 
believe  much  in  inspiration,)  I  feel  confident  that  I  should 
find  true  humility  and  humble  waiting  on  the  Almighty, 
the  only  way  of  feeling  an  inwai'd  sense  of  the  beauties  and 
the  comforts  of  religion.  It  spreads  a  sweet  veil  over  the 
evils  of  life;  it  is  to  me  the  first  of  feelings.  I  own  my 
dream  rather  leads  me  to  believe  in  and  try  to  follow  the 
path  I  would  go  in.    But  I  should  think  my  wisest  i)lan  of 


32 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


conduct  would  be  warmly  to  encooi'age  my  feelings  of  de- 
votion, and  to  keep  as  nearly  as  I  can  to  what  I  think  right, 
and  the  doctrines  of  the  Testament — not  ac  present  to  make 
sects  the  subject  of  my  meditations,  but  to  do  as  I  think 
right,  and  not  alter  my  opinions  from  conformity  to  any 
one,  gay  or  plain. 

May  %th. — This  morning,  being  alone,  I  think  it  a  good 
opportunity  to  look  into  myself,  to  see  my  present  state, 
and  to  regulate  myself.  At  this  time  the  first  object  of  mj 
mind  is  religion.  It  is  the  most  constant  subject  of  my 
thoughts  and  of  my  feelings.  I  am  not  yet  on  what  I  call 
a  steady  foundation.  The  next  feeling  that  at  this  present 
fills  my  heart  is  benevolence  and  affection  to  many,  but 
great  want  of  charity,  want  of  humility,  want  of  activity. 
My  inclinations  lead  me  I  hope  to  virtue ;  my  passions  are 
I  hope  in  a  pretty  good  state ;  I  want  to  set  myself  in  or- 
der, for  much  time  is  lost  and  many  evils  committed  by  not 
having  some  regular  plan  of  conduct.  I  make  these  rules 
for  myself: — 

First, — Never  lose  any  time ; — I  do  not  think  that  lost 
which  is  spent  in  amusement  or  reci'eation.  some  time  every 
day ;  but  always  be  in  the  habit  of  being  employed. 

Second, — Never  err  the  least  in  truth. 

Third, — Never  say  any  ill  thing  of  a  person  when  I  can 
Bay  a  good  thing ; — not  only  speak  charitably,  but  feel  so. 

Fourth, — Never  be  irritable,  or  unkind  to  any  body. 

Fifth, — Never  indulge  myself  in  luxuries  that  are  not  nee 
essary. 

Sixth, — Do  all  things  with  consideration,  and  when  my 
path  to  act  right  is  most  difficult,  feel  confidence  in  that 
Power  which  alone  is  able  to  assist  me,  and  exert  my  owa 
powers  as  far  as  they  go. 

"19iA. — Altogether  I  think  I  have  had  a  satisfactory  day 
I  had  a  good  lesson  of  French,  and  read  much  in  Epictetus. 
Saw  poor  Rob.  and  enjoyed  the  beauties  of  nature  which 


EARLY  L,Ii<J5. 


33 


now  sliine  forth;  each  day  some  new  beauty  arrives.  I 
love  the  beauty  of  the  country ;  it  does  the  mind  good.  I 
love  it  more  than  I  used  to  do.  I  love  retirement  and  qui- 
et much  more  since  my  journey  to  London.  How  little  I 
thought  six  months  ago  I  should  be  so  much  altered ;  I  am 
since  then,  I  hope,  altered  much  for  the  better.  My  heart 
may  rise  In  thankfulness  to  that  Omnipotent  Power  that  haa 
allowed  my  eyes  to  be  opened,  in  some  measure,  to  see  the 
light  of  truth,  and  to  feel  the  comfort  of  religion.  I  hope 
to  be  capable  of  giving  up  my  all,  if  ifc  be  required  of  me, 
to  serve  the  almighty  with  my  whole  heart. 

"21st.  (May.) — To-day  is  my  birth-day.  I  am  eighteen 
years  old!  How  many  things  have  happened  since  I  was 
fourteen ;  the  last  year  has  been  the  happiest  I  have  expe- 
rienced for  some  time. 

"23?'t?. — I  have  just  been  reading  a  letter  from  my  father 
in  which  he  makes  me  the  offer  of  going  to  London.  What 
a  temptation!  But  I  believe  it  much  better  for  ipe  to  be 
where  I  am,  quietly  and  soberly  to  keep  a  proper  nfedium  of 
feelings,  and  not  be  extravagant  any  way. 

"2itK, — ^1.  wrote  to  my  father  this  morning.  ^  I  must'  be 
most  careful  not  to  be  led  by  others,  for  I  kno'^  at  tliis  time 
I  have  so  great  a  liking  for  plain  Friends,  that,  my  affec- 
tions being  so  much  engaged,  my  mind  may  be  also  by 
them.  I  hope,  as  I  now  find  myself  in  so  wavering  a  stats, 
that  I  may  judge  without  prejudice  of  Barclay's  Apology. 

"27th. — I  must  be  careful  of  allowing  false  scruples  to 
enter  my  mind.  I  have  not  yet  been  long  enough  a  relig- 
ionist to  be  a  sectarian.  I  hope  by  degrees  to  obtain  true 
faith ;  but  I  expect  I  shall  lose  what  I  gain  il  I  am  led  to 
actions  that  I  may  repent  of ;  rememeber,  and  never  f orgefe 
my  own  enthusiastic,  feeling  nature.?}  It  rec^jjres  cautioo 
and  extreme  prudence  to  go  on  as  I  jfehould  do.  In  the  bI» 
ternoon  I  went  to  old  St.  Peter's  and'  heard  a  goo£i  sermon. 
The  common  people  seemed  very  much  occupied  ajld  Avrapt 
up  in  the  service,  which  I  was  pleased  to  see.  Afterwards 


34 


ELIZABETH  FRY 


I  went  to  the  Cathedral ;  then  I  came  home  and  read  to  the 
Normans  and  little  Castleton. 

"  2dth. — I  feel  weak  in  mind  and  body.  If  I  go  on  ap- 
proving revealed  religion,  I  must  be  extremely  careful  of 
taking  the  idle  fancies  of  the  brain  for  anything  so  far  supe- 
rior. I  believe  many  mistake  mere  meteors  for  that  heavenly 
light  which  few  receive.  Many  may  have  it  in  a  degi'ee,but  I 
should  suppose  few  have  it  so  as  to  teach  others  with  authority. 

"  fTune  1st. — I  have  been  a  great  part  of  this  morning  with 
poor  Rob,  who  seems  now  dying.  I  read  a  chapter  in  the 
Testament  to  him — the  one  upon  death — and  I  sat  with  him 
for  some  time  afterwards.  Poor  fellow !  I  never  saw  death, 
or  any  of  its  symptoms  before ;  sad  to  see  it  truly  is.  I 
said  a  few  words  to  him,  and  expressed  to  him  how  happy 
we  should  be  in  the  expectation  of  immortality  and  everlast- 
ing bliss.  Father  of  mercies,  wilt  Thou  bless  him  and  take 
him  unto  Thee?  Though  my  mind  is  flat  this  morning,  and 
not  favored  with  Thy  Spii'it  in  devotion,  yet  I  exert  what  I 
have,  and  hope  it  will  prove  acceptable  in  Thy  sight.  Al- 
mighty God,  Thy  will  be  done,  and  not  ours.  May  I  always 
be  resigned  to  what  Thou  hast  ordered  for  me.  I  humbly 
thank  Thee  for  allowing  my  eyes  to  be  opened,so  as  even  to 
feel  faith,  hope  and  love  towards  Thee.  First  and  last  of 
everything  infinite,  and  not  to  be  comprehended  except  by 
Thy  Spii'it  which  Thou  allowest  to  enlighten  our  hearts." 

The  above  is  the  first  of  those  written  prayers  which 
abound  in  this  devoted  Christian's  Journal,  increasing  in 
frequency  and  fervency  to  the  close.  It  is  worthy  of  re- 
mark, how  gradually  the  devotional  sphit  became  developed 
in  her  mind.  At  about  the  age  of  seventeen  she  wrote,  "I 
love  to  '  look  thiough  nature  up  to  nature's  God.'  I  have 
no  more  religion  than  that;  and  in  the  little  that  I  have 
J  am  not  the  least  devotional."    Two  or  three  months  later 


EABL7  LIFE. 


83 


she  says,  "If  I  were  devotional  I  should  fall  on  my  knees 
and  be.most  grateful  for  the  blessings  I  enjoy."  This  was 
in  July.  In  January  following,  "I  should  think  it  almost 
impossible  to  keep  strictly  to  principles  without  reUgion; 
I  should  think  those  feelings  impossible  to  obtain,  for  even 
if  I  thought  all  the  Bible  was  true,  I  do  not  think  I  could 
make  myself  feel  it:  I  think  I  never  saw  any  person  who 
appeared  so  totally  destitute  of  it.  I  fear  I  am  by  degrees 
falling  away  from  the  path  of  virtue  and  truth."  When, 
a  month  afterwards,  the  Holy  Spirit  was  first  sensibly  shed 
Upon  her  through  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  causing 
tears  of  joy  to  flow,  she  wrote,  "I  wish  the  state  of  enthu- 
siasm I  am  in  may  last,  for  to-day  I  have  felt  that  there  is  a 
God;  I  have  been  devotional,  and  my  mind  has  been  led 
away  from  the  follies  that  it  is  mostly  wi'apped  up  in." 
Four  months  thereafter,  when  watching  over  and  trying  to 
administer  the  sacrament  of  Divine  love,  hope  and  faith  to 
a  poor  dying  man,  the  spirit  expressed  itself  as  above. 
Thus  the  light  and  warmth  of  religion  very  gradually  in- 
creased in  her  mind  and  heart  through  the  exercise  of  the 
grace  which  was  given. 

"  12th. — This  evening  I  have  got  myself  rather  in  a  scrape ; 
I  have  been  helping  them  beg  my  father  to  go  to  the 
Guild-dinner,  and  I  don't  know  whether  it  was  quite  what  I 
approve  of,  or  think  good  for  myself;  but  I  shall  consider, 
and  do  not  intend  to  go,  if  I  disapprove  of  it.  How  strange 
and  odd !  I  really  think  I  shall  turn  plain  Friend.  All  I  say 
is,  search  deeply ;  do  nothing  rashly,  and  then  I  hope  to  do 
right.  They  all,  I  think,  now  see  it.  Keep  up  to  the  du- 
ties I  feel  in  my  heart,  let  the  path  be  ever  so  difficult.  Err 
aot  at  all  if  I  can  avoid  it    Be  bumble  and  constant.    I  do 


56 


ELIZABETH  FEY. 


not  lilce  to  appear  a  character  I  am  not  certain  of  being. 
For  a  few  days  past  I  have  at  times  felt  much  relisfion  for 
me;  humility  and  comfort  belong  to  it.  I  often  thiiik  very 
seriously  about  myself.  A  few  months  ago  if  I  had  seen  any 
one  act  as  I  now  do,  I  should  have  thought  him  a  fool ;  but 
the  strongest  proof  I  can  have  that  I  am  acting  right  at  the 
present  time  is  that  I  am  certainly  a  better  and  I  think  a 
happier  character.  But  I  often  doubt  myself  when  I  con- 
sider my  enthusiastic  and  changeable  feelings.  Religion  is 
no  common  enthusiasm,  because  it  is  pure ;  it  is  a  constant 
fifiSiad,  protector,  supporter  and  guardian;  it  is  what  we 
cannrff,  do  well  withm'i  in  this  world.  What  can  prove  its 
fexcellence  so  much  as  its  producing  virtue  and  happiness? 
HoWs.much  more  sohd  a  character  I  am  since  I  first  got  hold 
of  religion !  I  would  not  part  with  what  I  have  for  any- 
thiiig.  It  is  a  faith  that  never  will  leave  my  mind,  I  hope 
fliogt  earnestly.  I  do  not  believe  it  wUl,  but  I  desire  always 
to  be  a  strictly  religious  character."  . 

In  the  next  entry  we  have  an  intimation  of  her  future  work. 

"  13«A. — I  have  some  thoughts  of  by  degrees  increasing 
my  plan  for  Sunday  evening;  and  of  having  several  poor 
children  at  least  to  read  in  the  Testament  and  religious 
books  for  an  hour.'  I  have  begun  with  Billy,  but  I  hope  to 
CDntinue  and  increase  one  by  one.  I  should  think  it  a  good 
plan;  but  I  must  not  even  begin  that  hastily.  It  might  in- 
crease morality  among  the  lower  classes  if  the  Scriptiu-es 
Vere  oftener  and  better  read  to  them.  I  believe  I  cann«ot 
exert  myself  too  much :  there  is  nothing  gives  me  such  sat- 
isfaction as  instructing  the  lower  classes  of  people." 

During  this  summer — 1798 — John  Gui-ney  and  his  seven 
daughters  traveled  into  Wales.  They  met  with  various 
classes  of  people,  Quakers  and  others.   The  following  ex- 


EABLT  LIFE. 


37 


tract  shows  the  drawing  of  Elizabeth's  mind  toward  the  more 
eeiious  part  of  her  own  religious  Society : 

Dawlish,  August  Srd. — This  morning  Kitty  came  in  for 
us  to  read  the  Testament  together,  which  I  enjoyed;  I  read 
my  favorite  chapter,  the  15th  of  Corinthians,  to  them.  Oh! 
how  earnestly  I  hope  that  we  may  all  know  what  truth  is 
and  follow  its  dictates.  I  still  continue  my  belief  that  I 
shall  turn  plain  Quaker.  I  used  to  think,  and  do  now,  how 
how  very  little  di'ess  matters,  but  I  find  it  almost  impossi- 
ble to  keep  up  to  the  principles  of  Friends  without  altering 
my  dress  and  speech.  I  felt  it  the  other  day  at  Weymouth. 
li  I  had  been  plain  I  should  not  have  been  tet7ipted  to  go  to 
the  play,  which,  at  all  events  I  would  not  do.  Plainness 
appears  to  be  a  sort  of  protection  to  the  principles  of  Chiis- 
tianity,  in  the  present  state  of  the  world.  I  have  just  re- 
ceived a  letter  from  Anna  Savery,  and  have  been  answering 
it,  and  have  written  rather  a  religious  letter  which  I  mean 
to  show  them,  though  it  is  to  me  a  cross,  as  I  say  in  it  I 
think  I  am  a  Quaker  at  heart.  I  hope  it  will  not  hurt  them; 
but  it  is  better  to  be  on  clear  grounds  with  my  best  friend? 
upon  that  which  so  nearly  interests  me.  I  know  it  hurts 
Eachel  and  John  the  most.  Rachel  has  the  seeds  of  Qua- 
kerism in  her  heart,  that,  if  cultivated,  would  grow  indeed, 
I  have  no  doubt.  I  should  never  be  surprised  to  see  us  all 
Quakers. 

"  Plymouth  Dock,  8th.—'  ....  Am  I  right  or  not? 
An  officer  has  come  for  us  to  hear  a  very  famous  Marine 
Band ;  and  I  do  not  go,  because  I  have  some  idea  it  is 
wrong  even  to  give  countenance  to  a  thing  that  inflames 
men's  minds  to  destroy  each  other.  It  is  truly  giving  en- 
couragement, as  far  as  lies  in  my  power,  to  what  I  most 
highly  disapprove ;  therefore  I  think  I  am  right  to  stay  at 
home. 

'■^  Aberystwith,  IZrd. — Is  dancing  wrong?  I  have  just 
been  dancing;  I  think  there  are  many  dangers  attending  it; 


88 


ELIZABETH  Fr.T. 


it  may  lead  to  vanity  and  otlier  tilings.  The  more  the 
pleasm-es  of  life  ai'e  given  up,  the  less  we  love  the  world, 
and  our  lieavts  wiU  be  set  ujDon  better  things ;  not  but  that 
we  are  allowed,  I  beheve,  to  enjoy  the  Kessings  Heaven  has 
sent  us.  We  have  power  of  mind  to  distinguish  the  good 
fi-om  the  bad ;  for  under  the  cloak  of  pleasui-e  infinite  evils 
are  earned  on.  The  danger  of  dancing,  I  find  is  throwing 
me  off  my  center.  At  times,  when  dancing,  I  know  that  I 
have  not  reason  left,  but  that  I  do  things  which  in  calm 
moments  I  must  repent  of. 

"  28<A"— My  mind  is  in  an  uncomf oiiable  state  this  morn- 
ing ;  for  I  am  astonished  to  find  that  I  have  felt  a  scruple 
at  music,  at  least  I  could  not  othervvise  account  for  my  feel- 
ings ;  but  my  mind  is  rather  uneasy  after  spending  time  in 
it.  These  cannot  be  sensations  of  my  own  making,  or  a  con- 
trivance of  my  own  forming,  for  I  have  such  happiness  when 
I  overcome  my  worldly  self ;  and  when  I  give  way  to  it  I 
am  uneasy.  Not  but  what  I  think  feelings  are  sometimes 
dangerous  to  give  way  to ;  but  how  odd,  yet  how  true,  that 
much  human  reason  must  be  given  up.  I  don't  know  what 
to  think  of  it,  but  T  must  act  somehow,  and  in  some  way, — 
yet  do  nothing  rashP^-Qf  hastily,  but  try  to  humiliate  myself 
to  true  religion,  and  ettdeavor  to  looklo  God  who  alone  can 
teach  me  and  lead  me  aright ;  have  faith,  hope,  and  if  little 
things  are  to  follow  to  protect  greater  ones,  I  must,  yes,  I 
must  do  it.  I  feel  certainly  happier  in  being  a  Quaker,  but 
my  reason  contradicts  it.  Now  my  fears  are  these :  lately 
I  have  had  Quakerism  placed  before  me  in  a  very  interest- 
ing and  delightful  light :  and  is  it  unlikely  that  inclination 
may  put  on  the  appearance  of  duty  ?  Now  my  inclination 
may,  before  long,  lead  me  some  other  way ;  that  is  a  sad  foun- 
dation to  buUd  the  fortress  upon  which  must  defend  me 
through  life.  But  I  think  I  am  wrong  in  one  thing,  though 
it  is  right  to  doubt  myself ;  yet  do  I  not  make  myself  more 
uneasy  for  fear  I  should  be  a  ridiculous  object  to  the  world 
and  some  of  my  dear  friends  ?    I  believe  I  can  give  myself  a 


EARLY  LIFE. 


89 


little  advice — not  to  promote  anytlung  leading  to  unquaker- 
b  m ;  but  try  if  it  mako  xne  happy  or  not,  and  then  take 
greater  steps  if  I  like." 

The  above  is  a  very  curious  passage,  showing,  with  dra» 
matic  cleai'ness  the  struggle  of  conflicting  ideas,  inclinations 
aud  tastes,  in  a  conscientious  mind,  thoroughly  bent  on  doing 
its  whole  duty,  and  brought,  by  association,  under  the  in- 
fluence of  opposite  cui-rents  of  opinion  and  differing  modes 
of  practice.  Judging  at  this  distance,  after  the  innocent, 
and  may  we  not  say  heavenly,  charms  of  music  have  finally 
overcome  the  prejudice  against  it,  even  among  the  sober 
Quakers,  except  in  a  few  instances,  we  can  see  that  the  case 
was  not  judged  on  its  own  intrinsic  merits,  when  it  was  de- 
cided to  give  up  a  source  of  pure  and  refined  pleasure  ,  be- 
cause it  was  thought  by  certain  serious  people  to  militate 
against  the  Christian  life.  Still,  it  is  not  necessary  to  con- 
clude that  she  made  a  mistake,  unless  it  had  been  better 
then  and  thereto  inaugurate  a  reform,  and  insist  on  holding 
to  all  that  was  good  in  itself,  notwithstanding  the  oppo&\» 
tion,.  This,  it  is  not  probable  a  sensitive  gu'l  of  eighteen 
was  strong  enough  to  do.  without  a  conflict  greater  than 
she  could  bear,  or  without  producing  discords  in  the  society 
with  whish  it  was  best  for  her  to  remain  associated.  Whj^ 
therefore,  might  not  the  Spirit  of  Divine  Wisdom  truly  hav9 
impressed  her  mind  to  yield  this  and  other  points,  as  a 
practical  measure  of  hai'mony  ?  But  we  can  only  say  thai 
euch  may  have  been  the  case.  When  we  trace  the  history 
of  this  eventful  life  further,  and  see  that,  to  her  great  sox* 
row,  her  own  children  refused  to  follow  her  in  the  narrow? 
path  which  she  felt  it  right  for  her  to  choose,  we  are  in* 


40 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


clined  to  question  whether  a  bolder  and  more  steadfast  ad- 
herance  to  abstract  truth  and  reason  might  not  have  pro- 
duced better  results.  Of  this  we  are  perhaps  incompetent 
to  judge :  but  we  can  safely  assert  that,  although  circum- 
stances may  justify  a  temporary  conformity  to  existing  cus- 
toms, we  should  not  make  our  special  duties  a  law  for 
others,  or  even  for  ourselves  in  other  relations  and  circum- 
stances. The  law  of  expediency,  or  relative  duty,  has  neces- 
sarily a  large  share  in  the  control  of  human  conduct.  A 
very  considerable  pai't  of  the  religious  practices  of  men  are 
dictated  by  it.  But  since  God  Himself  has  wisely  adapted 
His  laws  to  the  the  varying  conditions  of  mankind,  we  ought 
not  to  consider  om'selves  bound  to  anything  which  our 
fathers  found  requisite  for  themselves,  unless  an  vmchang- 
ing  principle  also  enjoins  it  upon  us.  All  societies,  as  now 
organized,  have  their  pecuharities  which  it  may  be  well  for 
their  members  to  abide  by  until  some  fui'ther  development 
renders  these  customs  inappropriate.  When  He  who  "di- 
videth  unto  every  man  severally  as  He  will "  put  Elizabeth 
Gumey,  beautiful  and  engaging,  with  the  head  of  a  sage 
and  the  heart  of  an  angel,  into  a  plain  Quaker  dress,  and 
persuaded  her  to  give  up  music  and  other  social  amuse- 
ments, to  say  "thee"  and  "thou,"  and  to  preach  the  gospel, 
and  labor  for  the  salvation  of  lost  souls,  it  is  evident  that 
He  considered  Quakerism  a  good  harness  for  her  to  worh 
in;  and  so  the  results  proved  it  to  be.  But  it  would  not 
follow  that  others — not  even  her  own  childien — were  bound 
by  all  the  restrictions  which  she  felt  to  be  necessary.  This 
she  herself  freely  acknowledged  at  a  later  period  in  life, 
after  much  sorrow  had  brought  its  increase  of  wisdom. 


BARLT  LITE.  4l 

The  following  entry  which  illustrates  both  her  sincerity  and 
good-sense,  throws  further  light  on  the  subject  and  may 
help  others  to  understand  the  source  of  many  of  their  con- 
victions about  religion  and  religious  duty. 

"e/an.  29,  1799.— I  am  in  a  doubtful  state  of  mind.  I 
think  my  mind  is  timid  and  my  affections  strong,  which  may 
be  partly  the  cause  of  my  being  so  much  incUned  to  Quaker- 
ism. In  the  first  place  my  affections  were  worked  upon  in 
receiving  the  first  doctrines  of  religion  through  a  Quaker; 
therefore  it  is  likely  they  would  put  on  that  garb  in  my 
miud.  In  the  next  place  my  timidity  may  make  me  uncom- 
fortable in  ening  from  principles  that  I  am  so  much  incUned 
to  adopt.  So  far  I  should  be  on  my  guard,  and  I  hope  not 
to  forget  what  I  have  just  mentioned.  But  yet,  I  think  the 
only  true  standard  I  have  to  direct  myself  by  is  that  which 
experience  proves  to  give  me  the  most  happiness  by  ena- 
bling me  to  be  the  most  virtuous.  I  believe  there  is  some- 
thing in  the  mind,  or  in  the  heai  t,  that  shows  its  approba- 
tion when  we  do  right.  I  give  myself  this  advice :  Do  not 
feai"  trath,  let  it  be  ever  so  contrary  to  inclination  and  feel- 
ing." 

Her  severest  trial  seems  to  have  been  in  giving  up  the  so- 
cial amusements,  music,  singing  and  dancing,  which  appear 
to  have  been  much,  and,  we  should  think,  rationally  enjoyed, 
in  her  laige  family  of  seven  sisters  and  four  brothers.  The 
regret  was  not  on  her  own  account,  for  she  would  have  pre- 
feiTed  to  lay  these  doves  and  lambs  on  the  altar  of  con- 
science before  she  did,  but  she  felt  the  grief  it  would  cause 
in  the  dear  home  circle.  Here  are  some  of  her  touching  re- 
flections : 


"27«A. — This  evening  1  iiave  been  doing  exercises,  and 


43 


EXIZABtTH  FB7. 


singing-  with  tliem ;  my  mind  feels  very  clear  to  night  and 
my  body  much  bettei*.  I  have  been  thinlcing  about  singing ; 
I  hope  in  that,  as  in  everything  else,  to  do  what  is  right.  1 
cannot  say  I  feel  it  is  wrong  to  sing  to  my  own  family ;  it  is 
Bweet  and  right  to  give  them  pleasure.  I  do  not  approve  o\ 
singing  in  company,  as  it  leads  to  vanity  and  dissipation  of 
mind ;  but  that  I  believe  I  have  no  occasion  to  do,  as  dear 
Rachel  does  not  request  it,  for  she  does  not  like  it  herself. 
I  should  be  sorry  quite  to  give  up  singing  as  the  gift 
of  nature,  and  on  her  account ;  as  long  as  it  does  not  lead 
me  from  what  is  right  I  need  not  fear. 

"  October  5th. — In  the  evening  a  fiddler  came  and  we  all 
had  a  dauce.  I  had  a  toothache  and  so  far  from  its  making 
me  morry  it  made  me  grave.  I  do  not  feel  satisfaction  in 
dancing. 

"6«/? — -This  morning  I  awoke  not  comfortable;  the  sub' 
ject  of  dancing  came  strongly  before  my  mind.    Totally  de- 
clining it  as  a  matter  of  pleasure  I  do  not  mind;  only  as  1 
am  situated  with  the  others  I  find  it  diflScult.    The  ques- 
tion is  if  these  may  not  be  scruples  of  my  own  formuig  that 
I  may  one  day  repent  of.    The  bottom  of  my  heart  is  in- 
clined to  Quakerism,  but  I  know  what  imagination  can  do. 
£  believe  the  formation  of  ray  mind  is  such  that  it  require? 
the  bonds  and  ties  of  Quakerism  to  fit  it  for  immortality.  I 
feel  it  a  very  great  blessing  being  so  little  in  the  company 
of  superior  fascinating  Quakers,  because  it  makes  me  act 
freely,  and  look  to  the  only  true  Judge  for  what  is  right  for 
me  to  do.    The  next  question  is,  am  I  sufficiently  clear  that 
dancing  is  wrong  to  give  it  up  ?  because  I  know  much  pre- 
caution is  necessary.    I  believe  I  may,  if  I  like,  make  one 
more  trial,  and  judge  again  how  I  feel ;  but  I  must  reflect 
upon  it,  determining  to  give  it  up  if  I  think  right.    I  wish 
to  make  it  a  subject  of  very  serious  reflection  hoping  as 
usual  to  do  right.    It  will  hurt  them  much  I  fear,  but  time 
I  believe  will  take  off  that,  if  they  see  me  happier  and  better 
for  it.    Let  me  redouble  my  kindness  to  them.  Cathei-ine 


UFE. 


43 


eeems  to  wish  I  would  give  up  correspondence  wifn  Anna 
SavPiy,  which  I  think  I  may  do.  This  day  has  been  very 
comfortable  in  most  respects,  though  I  have  not  done  much. 
I  have  finished  my  letter  to  dear  cousin  Priscilla,  and  that 
to  Mrs.  ;  but  I  cannot  feel  quite  easy  to  send  it  with- 
out first  speaking  to  my  father ;  for  I  do  believe  it  is  my 
duty  to  make  him  my  friend  in  all  things ;  though  I  think 
it  probable  he  will  discoiurage  me  in  writing  to  my  friend 
Srphy;  yet  never  keep  anything  from  him;  but  let  me  be 
au  open,  true,  kind,  and  dutiful  daughter  to  him  whilst  life 
is  in  my  body. 

"12th. — I  Lave  many  great  faults,  but  I  have  some  dispo- 
sitions which  I  should  be  most  thankful  for.  I  beheve  I 
feel  much  for  my  fellow-creatures  ;  though  I  think  I  mostly 
see  into  the  minds  of  those  I  associate  with,  and  am  apt  to 
satuize  their  weakness ;  yet  I  don't  remember  ever  being  any 
time  with  one  who  was  not  extremely  disgusting  but  I  felt 
a  sort  of  love  for  them,  and  I  do  hope  I  would  sacrifice  my 
life  for  the  good  of  mankind.  My  mind  is  too  much  Uke  a 
looking-glass ; — objects  of  all  kinds  are  easily  reflected  in  it, 
whilst  present,  but  when  they  go  their  reflection  is  gone 
also.  I  have  a  faint  idea  of  many  things,  a  strong  idea  of  a 
few ;  therefore  my  mind  is  cultivated  badh'.  I  have  many 
straggling,  but  not  many  connected  ideas.  I  have  the  mate- 
rials to  form  good  in  my  mind,  but  I  am  not  a  sufficiently 
good  artificer  to  unite  them  properly  together,  and  make  a 
good  consistence  ;  for  in  some  parts  I  am  too  hard,  in  othe:  s 
too  soft.  I  hope  and  believe  the  Great  Aitificer  is  now  at 
work  ;  that  if  I  join  my  power  to  the  only  one  able  to  con- 
duct me  aright,  I  may  one  day  be  better  than  I  am. 

"11  th. — My  journal  has  not  gone  on  well  of  late;  partly 
owing  to  my  going  out,  and  having  people  in  the  room,  now 
there  is  a  fire.  I  dislike  going  out ;  what  my  mind  wants  ia 
peace  and  quiet.  The  other  night  as  I  was  alone  in  a  car- 
riage, a  fine  starlight  night,  I  thought, — ^\Tiat  is  it  I  wanti 
how  I  overflow  with  the  blessings  of'  this  world !    I  have 


u 


ELIZABETH  FKY. 


true  friends — as  many  as  I  wish  for — good  health,  a  happy 
home,  with  all  that  riches  can  give,  and  yet  all  these  are 
nothing  without  a  satisfied  conscience.    At  times  I  feel 

satisfied,  but  I  have  not  reason  to  feel  so  often  

This  afternoon  I  have  much  to  correct,  I  feel  proud,  vain 
and  disagreeable ;  not  touched  with  the  sweet  humility  of 
Christianity ;  nor  is  my  heart  enlightened  by  its  happy  doc- 
trines. I  have  two  things  heavily  weighing  on  my  mind- 
dancing  and  singing.  So  sweet  and  so  pretty  do  they  seem  5 
but  as  surely  as  I  do  either,  so  surely  does  a  dark  cloud  come 
over  my  miud.  It  is  not  only  my  giving  up  these  things,  but 
I  am  making  others  miserable,  and  laying  a  restraint  upon 
then:  pleasmes.  In  the  next  plaqe  am  I  sure  I  am  going 
upon  a  good  foundation  ?  If  I  a&  doing  right  God  will 
protect  me  and  them  also.  If  I  am  doing  wrong  what 
foundation  do  I  stand  upon?  None:  then  all  to  me  is  noth- 
ing. Let  me  try  to  take  my  thoughts  from  this  world,  and 
look  to  the  only  true  Judge.  I  believe  singing  to  be  so 
natural  that  I  may  try  it  a  little  longer :  but  I  do  think 
dancing  may  be  given  up.  What  particularly  led  me  to  this 
state  was  our  having  company,  and  I  thought  I  must  sing. 
I  sang  a  little  but  did  not  stay  with  them  during  the  play- 
ing. My  mind  continued  in  a  state  of  agitation,  and  I  did 
noii  Sl'egp  until  some  time  after  I  was  in  bed. 

"  IQth.—My  mind  feels  more  this  morning, if  anything  than 
it  did  l&st  night.  Can  such  feelings  be'  ,my  own  putting  on  f 
They  seem  to  affect  my  whole  frame,  mental  and  bodily. 
They  cannot,.be  of  myself,  for  if  I  were  to  give  worlds  I 
could  not;remove  them.  They  truly  make  me  shake.  When 
I  loolc  forwards  I  think  I  can  see,  if  I  have  strength  to  do  as 
they  direct  I  shall  be  another  person  :  sorrow  I  believe  will 
be  removedAto  be  replaced  by  joy.  Then  let  me  now  act  i 
My  best  method,  oi  conduct  will  be  to  tell  Rachel  Low  I  am 
situated  in  mind,  and  then  ask  her  what  she  would  advise : 
and  be  very  kind  and  tell  her  the  true  state  of  the  case.  Is 
it  worth  while  to  continue  in  so  small  a  pleasure  for  so  much 


EARLY  LIFB. 


pain?  The  pleasure  is  notliiiig  to  me,  but  it  is  a  grand  step 
to  take  in  life. — I  have  been  and  spoicen  to  liachel,  saying  I 
think  I  must  give  up  singing.  It  is  astonishing  the  total 
change  that  ha^  taken  place.  From  misery  I  am  now  come 
to  joy.  I  felt  ill  before  ;  I  now  feel  well — thankful  should 
I  be  for  being  directed,  and  pray  to  keep  up  always  to  that 
dii'ection.  After  having  spol^en  to  my  dailing  Eachel,  where 
I  fear  I  said  too  much,  I  rode  to  Norwich  after  some  poor 
people :  I  went  to  see  many  and  added  my  mite  to  their 
comfort.  Nothing,  I  think,  could  exceed  the  kindness  of  my 
dear  Rachel.  Though  I  have  no  one  here  to  encourage  me 
m  Quakerism,  I  believe  I  must  be  one  before  I  am  content, 
"7</t.  December. — I  have  had  a  letter  to  say  my  dear 
friend  William  Savery  is  safely  arrived  in  America.  Kitty 
and  I  have  been  having  a  long  talk  together  this  evening 
upon  sects ;  we  both  seem  to  think  them  a'most  necessary. 
It  is  long  since  I  have  what  I  may  truly  call  written  in  my 
journal.  Writing  in  my  journal  is  to  me  expressing  the  feel- 
ings of  my  heart  during  the  day.  I  have  partly  given  it  up, 
from  the  coldness  of  the  Aveather  and  not  having  a  snug  lire 
to  sit  by.  I  wish  now,  as  I  have  opportunity,  to  look  a  little 
into  the  present  situation  of  my  heart.  That  is  the  advant- 
age of  writing  a  true  journal — it  leads  the  mind  to  look  in- 
ward. Of  late  I  do  not  think  I  have  been  sufficiently  active, 
but  have  rather  given  way  to  a  dilatory  spirit.  I  have  been 
reading  Watts'  Logic:  it  tells  me  how  ill-regulated  my 
thoughts  are — they  truly  ramble!  Regularity  of  thought 
and  deed  is  what  I  much  want ;  I  appear  to  myself  to  have 
almost  a  confusion  of  ideas,  which  leads  to  a  confusion  of 
actions.  I  want  order.  I  believe  it  difficult  to  obtain,  but 
yet  with  perseverance  attainable.  The  first  way  to  obtain  it 
appears  to  me  to  try  to  prevent  my  thoughts  from  rambling, 
and  to  keep  them  as  steadily  as  possible  to  the  object  in  view. 
True  religion  is  what  I  seldom  feel,  nor  do  I  sufficiently  try 
after  it,  by  really  seeking  devotion.  I  do  not  warmly  seek 
it,  I  am  sure,  nor  do  I  live  in  the  lear  of  an  All-wise  Being 


AS 


ELIZABETH  FBI. 


who  watchers  over  us.  I  seldom  look  deep  enough,  but  dwe'l 
too  much  on  the  surface  of  things  and  let  my  ideas  float. 
Such  is  my  state.  I  can't  tell  how  I  feel  exactly: — ab  times 
all  seems  to  me  mystery ;  '  When  I  look  at  the  heavens,  the 
work  of  Thy  fingers,  the  moon  and  stars  which  Thou  hast 
ordained,  what  is  man  that  Thou  art  mindful  of  him,  or  the 
son  of  man  that  Thou  visitest  him  T  Thou  must  exist,  O 
Ood !  for  the  heavens  declare  Thy  glory,  and  the  firmament 
showeth  Thy  handiwork. 

"  Sth. — Since  dinner  I  have  read  much  logic  and  enjoyed 
it;  it  is  interesting  to  me,  and  may,  I  think,  with  attention, 
do  me  good.  Reading  Watts  impresses  deeply  on  my  mind 
how  very  cai"efui  I  should  be  of  judging ;  how  much  I  should 
consider  before  I  speak,  or  form  an  opinion;  how  careful  I 
should  be  not  to  let  my  mind  be  tinged  tbroughout  with 
one  reigning  subject,  to  try  not  to  associate  ideas ;  but  judge 
of  things  according  to  the  evidence  they  give  to  my  mind 
of  their  own  worth.  My  mind  is  like  a  pair  of  scales  that 
are  not  inclined  to  balance  equally ;  at  least  when  I  begin 
to  form  a  judgment,  and  try  to  hold  the  balance  equally,  as 
Boon  as  I  perceive  that  one  scale  is  at  all  heavier  than  the 
other,  I  am  apt  at  once  to  let  it  fall  on  that  side,  forgetting 
what  remains  in  the  other  scale,  which,  though  lighter,  should 
not  be  forgotten.  For  instance,  I  look  at  a  character;  at 
first  I  try  to  judge  calmly  and  truly;  but  if  I  see  more  vir- 
tues than  vices  I  am  apt  soon  to  like  that  character  so  much 
.that  1  Uke  its  weaknesses  also,  and  forget  they  are  weakness- 
es.   The  same  if  evil  may  preponderate,  I  forget  the  vutues. 

"30i;/i. — I  went  to  meeting  in  the  morning  and  afternoon , 
both  times  rather  dark ;  but  I  have  been  a  httle  permitted 
to  see  my  own  state,  which  is  the  greatest  favor  I  can  ask  for 
at  present ;  to  know  what  I  should  do  and  to  be  assisted  in  my 
duties:  for  it  is  hard,  very  hard  to  act  right,  at  least  I  find 
*it  so.  But  there  is  the  comfortable  consideration  that  God 
is  merciful  and  full  of  comi^assion ;  He  is  tender  over  Hi?< 
children.   I  had  a  satisfactory  time  with  my  girls  and  boys. 


EABLY  LIFE. 


47 


January  4ith,  1799. — Most  of  this  morning  I  spent  in 
Norwich  seeing  after  the  poor ;  I  do  little  for  them,  and  I 
do  not  like  it  should  appear  that  I  do  much.  I  must  be 
most  guarded,  and  tell  those  who  know  I  do  charity  that  I 
am  only  my  father's  agent.  A  plan,  at  least  a  duty  that  I 
have  i'elt  for  some  time,  I  will  now  mention.  I  have  been 
trying  to  overcome  fear.  My  method  has  been  to  stay  in  the 
dark,  and  at  night  go  into  those  rooms  not  generally  inhab- 
ited. There  is  a  strange  propensity  in  the  human  mind  to 
fear  in  the  dark;  there  is  a  sort  of  dread  of  something  su- 
pernatm-al.  I  tried  to  overcome  that  by  considering  that  as 
far  as  I  believe  in  f>bosts,  so  far  I  must  believe  in  a  state  af- 
ter death,  and  it  must  confirm  my  belief  in  the  Spirit  of 
God ;  therefore  if  I  try  to  act  right  1  have  no  need  to  fear 
the  directions  of  Infinite  Wisdom.  I  do  not  turn  away  such 
things  as  some  do :  I  believe  nothing  impossible  to  God, 
and  He  may  have  used  spirits  as  agents  for  purposes  beyond 
GUI-  conceptions.  I  know  they  can  only  come  when  He 
pleases,  therefore  we  need  not  fear  them.  But  my  most 
predominant  fear  is  that  of  thieves,  and  I  find  that  still  more 
difficult  to  overcome ;  but  faith  would  cure  that  also,  for 
God  can  equally  protect  us  from  man  as  from  spirit. 

"8fA, — My  father  not  appearing  to  like  all  my  present 
doings,  has  been  rather  a  cloud  over  my  mind  this  day :  there 
are  few,  if  any,  in  the  world  I  love  so  well ;  I  am  not  easy 
to  do  what  he  would  not  like,  for  I  think  I  could  saciifice 
almost  anything  for  him,  I  owe  him  so  much.  I  love  Viim 
BO  well. 

"  I  have  been  reading  Watts  on  Judgment  this  after- 
noon ;  it  has  led  me  into  thought,  and  particularly  upon  the 
evidence  I  have  to  believe  in  religion.  The  first  thing  that 
strikes  me  is  the  perception  we  all  have  of  being  under  a 
power  superior  to  human.  I  seldom  feel  this  so  much  as 
when  unwell ;  to  see  how  pain  can  visit  me  and  how  it  ia 
taken  away.  Work  forever,  we  could  not  create  life.  There 
must  be  a  cause  to  produce  an  effect.    The  ne.\c  thing  that 


48 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


strikes  me  is  good  and  evil,  vu  tue  and  vice,  happiness  and 

unhappiiiess — these  are  acknowledged  to  be  linked  together : 
virtue  produces  good,  vice  evil ;  of  course  the  Power  that 
allows  this  shows  approbation  of  virtue.  Thirdly,  Christi- 
anity seems  also  to  have  its  clear  evidences,  even  to  my 
human  reason.  My  mind  has  not  been  convinced  by  books ; 
but  what  little  faith  I  have  has  been  confirmed  by  reading 
holy  writers  themselves. 

"  14:th. — I  hope  I  have  from  experience  gained  a  little. 
I  am  much  of  a  Friend  in  my  principles  at  this  time,  but  do 
not  outwardly  appear  much  so ;  I  say  '  thee '  to  people,  and 
do  not  di-ess  very  gay;  but  yet  I  say  'Mr,'  and  'jMi-s.,'  wear 
a  turban,  &c.,  &c.  I  have  one  remark  to  make ;  every  step 
I  have  taken  toward  Quakerism  has  given  me  satisfaction. 

"18iA. — I  feel  I  must  not  despair:  I  consider  I  first 
brought  sceptical  opinions  upon  myself,  and  it  is  only  what 
is  due  to  me  that  they  should  now  hurt  me.  I  hope  I  do 
not  much  murmur  at  the  decrees  of  the  Almighty :  and  can 
I  expect  who  am  so  faulty,  to  be  blessed  with  entire  faith  ? 
Let  me  once  more  try  and  pray,  that  the  evil  roots  in  my 
own  mind  may  be  eradicated.  I  had  altogether,  a  pretty 
good  day ;  rather  too  much  vanity  at  being  mistress  at  home, 
and  having  to  entertain  many  guests. 

"24:th. — "What  feeling  so  cheering  to  the  human  mind  as 
religion !  what  thankfulness  should  I  feel  to  God !  I  have 
great  reason  to  believe  Almighty  God  is  directing  my  mind 
to  the  haven  of  peace;  at  least  I  feel  that  I  am  guided  by  a 
Power  not  my  own.  How  dark  was  my  mind  for  some 
days !  How  heavy !  I  saw  duties  to  be  performed  that 
even  struck  me  as  foolish.  I  took  courage  and  tried  to  fol- 
low the  directions  of  this  voice.  I  felt  enlightened,  even 
happy.  Again  I  erred,  again  I  was  in  a  cloud.  I  once 
more  tried,  and  again  I  felt  brightened. 

"25th. — This  time  last  year  I  was  with  my  dear  friend. 
"Wilham  Savery,  at  Westminster  Meeting.  I  can  only  thank- 
fully admire,  when  I  look  back  to  that  time,  the  gentle  lead- 


E>.RLT  LIFE 


49 


ings  my  soul  has  had  from  the  state  of  gi'eat  darkness  I  was 
in.  How  suddenly  did  the  light  of  Christianity  burst  upon 
my  mind !  I  have  reason  to  believe  in  religion  from  my  own 
experience ;  and  what  foundation  so  solid  to  build  my  hopes 
upon?  May  I  gain  from  the  httle  experience  I  have  been 
blessed  with.  May  I  encourage  the  voice  of  truth :  and  may 
I  be  a  steady  and  virtuous  combatant  in  the  service  of  God. 
Such  I  think  I  may  truly  say  is  my  most  ardent  prayer. 
But  God  who  is  omnipresent  knows  my  thoughts,  knows  my 
wishes,  and  my  many,  many  feelings.  May  I  conclude  with 
saying  '  cleanse  Thou  me  from  secret  faults.' 

"  28«A. — We  had  company  most  part  of  the  day.  I  have 
an  odd  feeling.  Uncle  Joseph  and  many  gay  ones  were 
here ;  I  had  a  sort  of  sympathy  with  him.  I  feel  to  have 
been  so  much  off  my  guard  that  if  tempted  I  should  have 
done  wrong.  I  now  hear  them  singing.  How  much  my 
natm-al  heart  does  love  to  sing.  But  if  I  give  way  to  the' 
ecstacy  that  singing  sometimes  produces  in  my  mind,  it 
carries  me  far  beyond  the  center ;  it  increases  all  the  wild 
passions  and  works  on  enthusiasm.  Many  say  and  think  it 
leads  to  rehgion ;  it  may  lead  to  emotions  of  religion,  but 
true  reUgion  appears  to  me  to  be  in  a  deeper  recess  of  the 
heart,  where  no  earthly  passion  can  produce  it. 

March  \st. — There  is  going  to  be  a  danCe — what  am  1 
to  do?  As  far  as  I  can  see  I  believe,  if  I  find  it  very  neces- 
sary to  their  pleasure,  I  may  do  it,  but  not  for  my  own  grati- 
fication. Remember  don't  be  vain ;  if  it  be  possible  dance 
Uttle. 

"  I  began  to  dance  in  a  state  next  to  pain  of  mind ;  when  I 
had  danced  four  dances,  I  was  trying  to  pluck  up  courage 
to  tell  Rachel  I  wished  to  give  it  up  for  the  evening :  it 
seemed  as  if  she  looked  into  my  mind,  for  she  came  up  t& 
me  that  minute,  in  the  most  tender  manner,  and  begged  ma 
to  leave  off,  saying  she  would  contrive  Avithout  me ;  I  sup- 
pose she  saw  in  my  countenance  the  state  of  my  mind.  I 
am  not  half  kind  enough  to  her;  I  often  make  sharp  rc- 


60 


XLIZABETB  FBY. 


marks  to  her,  and  in  reality  tbere  are  none  of  my  sisters  to 
whom  I  owe  so  much.  I  must  think  of  her  as  my  nurse; 
she  would  suffer  much  to  comfort  me ;  may  she,  O  God !  be 
blessed ;  wouldst  Thou,  oh  wouldst  Thou,  let  her  see  her 
right  path,  whatever  that  may  be,  and  wilt  Thou  enable  her 
to  keep  up  to  her  duty,  in  whatever  line  it  may  lead.  Let 
this  evening  be  a  lesson  to  me  not  to  be  unkind  to  her  any 
more.  I  think  I  should  feel  more  satisfaction  iu  not  dan- 
cing ;  but  such  things  must  be  left  very  much  to  the  time. 
How  very  much  do  I  wish  for  their  happiness  !  That  they 
may  he  blessed  in  every  way  is  what  I  pray  for  to  the  Great 
Director.  But  all  is  guided  in  wisdom,  and  I  believe  as  a 
fanuly  we  have  much  to  be  thankful  for,  both  for  bodily  and 
miental  blessings." 

The  conclusion  of  the  struggle  is  shown  in  the  follow- 
ing:— 

*^  March  Uh, — I  hope  the  day  has  passed  without  many 
faults:  John  is  just  come  in  to  ask  me  to  dance  in  such  a 
kind^Way, — dh  dear  me  !  I  am  now  acting  clearly  differently 
from  them  all.  Remember  this,  as  I  have  this  night  refused 
to  dance  with  my  dearest  brother,  I  must  out  of  kindness  to 
faim  not  be  tempted  by  any  one  else.  Have  mercy  O  God ! 
have  mercy  upon  me!  and  let  me  act  right,  I  humbly  pray 
Thee.  Wilt  Thou  love  my  dearest,  most  dear,  brothers  and 
sisters — wilt  Thou  protect  us!  Dear  John  !  I  feel  much  for 
him ;  such  as  these  are  home  strokes ;  but  I  had  far  rather 
have  them,  if  indeed  governed  by  Supreme  Wisdom,  for  then 
I  need  not  fear.  I  know  that  not  dancing  will  not  lead  me 
to  do  wrong,  and  I  fear  dancing  does.  Though  the  task  is 
hard  on  their  account  I  hope  I  do  not  mind  the  pain  myselL 
I  feel  for  them,  but  if  they  see  in  time  that  I  am  happier  for 
it,  I  think  they  will  no  longer  lament  over  me.  I  will  go 
to  them  as  soon  as  they  have  done,  try  to  be  cheerful,  and  to 
show  them  that  I  love  them,  for  I  do  most  truly,  particularly 


EARLY  LIFE. 


51 


John.    I  think  I  might  talk  a  little  with  John  and  tell  him 

how  I  stand,  for  it  is  much  my  wisest  plan  to  keep  truly  in- 
timate with  them  all — make  them  my  fii-st  friends.  I  do  not 
think  I  ever  love  them  so  well  as  at  such  times  as  these.  I 
should  fiilly  express  my  love  for  them,  and  how  nearly  it 
touches  my  heai-t  acting  differently  to  what  they  like.  These 
ai-e  truly  great  steps  for  me  to  take  in  life,  but  I  may  expect 
support  under  them." 

How  charming  is  such  a  spirit !  and  she  had  her  reward  in 
the  conversion  of  several  of  her  highly  endowed  brothers 
and  sisters  to  earnest  fellowship  in  her  own  faith ;  she  being 
the  pioneer  in  the  movement.  Her  eldest  sister,  Catherine, 
and  some  other  members  of  the  family  attached  themselves 
to  the  National  Church.  They  always,  however,  remained 
firmly  devoted  to  each  other,  and  presented  a  lovely  example 
of  unity  of  heart  amid  diversities  of  opinion. 

Soon  after  this  Elizabeth  adopted  the  numerical  style  oi 
dates.  This  peculiarity  of  the  Quakers  originated  from  the 
impression  that  it  was  unbecoming  in  Chiistians  to  engraft 
idolatrous  names  upon  their  language,  or  to  accept  usages 
originating  in  the  worship  of  false  gods.  To  this  scruple  the 
only  answer  necessary  is  that  given  by  Paul  to  those  who  re- 
fused meat  which  had  once  been  offered  to  idols,  feeling  that 
they  thus  became  partakers  of  idolatry.  "  Whatsoever  is  sold 
in  the  shambles  eat,  asking  no  questions  for  conscience 
sake :  for  the  ealfth  is  the  Lord's  and  the  fullness  thereof" 
1  Cor.  X.  25,  26.  Words,  like  meat,  cannot  be  defiled  by 
having  been  wrongly  applied.  The  sin  lies  in  thTS'  rtSilfl 
which  uses  a  harmless  instrument  to  express  a  wrong  senii* 
ment.  We  might  just  as  well  refuse  to  convert  the  speaj 
into  a  pruning-hook,  as  to  reject  the  word  Monday  because 


62 


ELIZABETH  FEY. 


the  Moon  was  worshipped  on  that  day  by  our  ancestors,  ot 
decline  to  say  "you"  to  a  single  person  now,  because  the 
practice  originated  in  a  pui'pose  to  flatter  persons  of  rank. 
Words  derive  their  meaning  altogether  from  usage,  and  are 
merely  the  coin  by  which  we  exchange  thought.  The  sturdi- 
est patriot  would  not  refuse  a  gold  piece  because  it  bore  the 
image  and  superscription  of  Ccesar — at  least,  after  Caesar 
was  dead  and  his  kingdom  destroyed. 

However,  such  devotion,  though  logically  erring,  is  pleas- 
ant to  witness,  and  we  may  admire  the  faithfulness  to  con- 
viction while  we  accustom  ourselves  to  translate  "First 
day  "  into  Sunday,  &c„  and  "  Fii'st  Month  "  into  January, 
through  the  remainder  of  this  frank  and  altogether  admira- 
ble heart-history. 

^'■Fourth  Month  Gth. — have  not  done  a  gxeat  deal  to- 
day, and  yet  I  hope  I  have  not  been  idle  :  I  try  to  do  right 
now  and  then,  but  by  ho  means  constantly.  I  could  not  re- 
cover the  feeling  of  being  hurt  at  rejecting,  I  suppose,  the 
voice  of  my  mind  last  night,  when  I  sang  so  much.  They 
were  not,  I  believe  feelings  of  my  own  malung,  for  it  was  my 
wish  to  enjoy  singing  without  thinking  it  wrong.  ■ 

"7<A. — I  have  hopes  the  day  may  come  when  Norwich 
Meeting  will  prosper  and  be  enlivened  again  from  a  state  of 
cloudiness.  In  the  afternoon  I  went  with  them  to  hear  a 
person  preach  at  the  Baptist  Meeting.  I  felt  afraid  of  set- 
ting my  own  opinions  up  and  being  unchai'itable.  It  did 
aot  seem  to  suit  me  like  our  silent  method  of  worship,  and 
the  prayers  and  sermon  did  not  make  their  way  into  the 
heart  as  those  of  our  Friends  do  ;  but  it  is  likely  I  should 
feel  that,  as  I  have  much  love  for  my  own  Society.  Uncle 
Joseph  was  here  in  the  evening  and  he  seemed  rather  sur- 
prised at  my  going  to  hear  Kinghorn.  I  had  an  interesting 
time  with  my  young  flock.   I  fear  I  might  say  rather  too 


EABLT  LIFE. 


53 


much  to  them ;  Mayst  Thou,  O  Father !  preserve  them,  for 
without  Thy  aid  my  efforts  are  ineffectual.  Mayst  Thou 
make  me  an  instrument  in  leading  them  to  true  virtue,  and 
may  the  day  come  when  Thou  wilt  call  them  to  everlasting 

joy- 

"22nd. — I  have  read  a  good  deal  in  Lavater's  journal, 
and  have  felt  sympathy  with  him.  I  like  the  book,  as  it  re« 
minds  me  of  my  duty.  I  hope  that  I  shall  have  more  steady 
rehance  upon  God ;  more  regularity  of  naind ;  less  volatility 
of  thought.  To  have  my  heart  pure  in  the  sight  of  Thee 
ivho  knowest  and  seest  all  my  weaknesses,  all  my  defects, 
God  have  mercy  on  me,  I  pray  Thee  !  Mayst  Thou  find  in 
me  a  faithful  servant,  abounding  in  good  works.  May  my 
whole  heart  truly  say,  '  Thy  will  be  done ! '  May  I  ever, 
with  all  my  heait  say  the  Lord's  prayer.  Thou  knowest  my 
wishes,  O  God !    Thou  knowest  them  ! 

"  Fifth  Month,  \st. — Even  acting  right  wUl  sometimes 
bimg  dissensions  in  a  family,  as  it  says  in  the  Testament. 
We  must  not  be  discom-aged  even  when  that  is  ovur  lot ;  for 
whatever  may  be  our  situation,  if  we  strictly  adhere  to  whal 
we  beUeve  to  be  our  duty,  we  need  not  fear,  but  rest  steadily 
upon  Him  who  can  and  will  support  us.,  I  often  observa 
how  much  weakness  of  body  seems  to  humble  the  mind. 
Illness  is  of  great  benefit  to  us  as  I  have  found  from  experi. 
ence,  if  we  try  to  make  good  use  of  it:  it  leads  us  to  see  our 
Qwn  weakness  and  debility,  and  to  look  to  a  stronger  for 
support.  So  I  believe  it  may  be  with  the  mind  ;  dark  and 
gloomy  states  are  allowed  to  come  upon  it  that  we  may 
know  our  own  insuf&ciency,  and  place  our  dependence  upon 
a  Higher  Power." 

Here  is  a  little  dip  into  politics. 

"  — I  have  not  done  much  to  day,  partly  owing  to 
taking  a  walk  to  Melton,  and  company  this  afternoon.  I  am 
sorry  to  say  imperceptibly  my  mind  gets  wrapped  up  in  the 
Election.    I  must  take  care  or  I  think  I  sliail  be  off  my 


64 


ELIZABETH  FET. 


guaxd,  and  I  do  thini,  if  I  become  so  warm  in  it,  I  shall  find 
it  better  to  go  off  out  of  the  way ;  and  may  perhaps  go  to 
London  Yearly  Meeting.  But  why  not  try  to  command  my 
mind  at  home  ?  I  intend  to  try,  but  in  such  cases  as  this  it 
is  difficult  to  act  a  negative  character ;  for  even  such  a  body 
as  I  am  might,  I  believe,  get  many  votes  amongst  the  poor : 
but  yet  I  feel  as  if  it  were  giving  to  the  poor  with  an  expec- 
tation of  retui'n  from  them  to  ask  their  votes.  Still  if  the 
cause  be  such  as  may  be  of  use  in  tending  to  abohsh  the 
war,  (for  every  member  in  the  House  carries  some  weight) 
is  it  not  right  to  be  anxious  to  get  any  one  who  opposes 
war  into  it.    '  Many  a  little  makes  a  mickle.' 

"21th. — At  last  the  long-wished-for,  expected  day  has  ar- 
rived ;  it  has  been  one  of  real  bustle.  Before  we  went  to 
IJforwich  I  was  much  affected  to  hear  of  the  death  of  poor 
Betty  Pettet^ahd  it  moved  me.  Let  death  come  in  any  way, 
how  very  affecting  it  is !  We  went  to  Norwich  and  there 
entered  its  tumults.  I  have  not  been  so  very,  very  much 
interested ;  I  might  have  acted  pretty  well  if  pride,  vanity 
and  shame  had  not  crept  in.  We  lost  the  Election  which  ia 
certainly  a  very  great  blank,  but  we  soon  get  over  such  mat- 
ters, and  it  convinces  me  the  less  public  matters  are  entered 
Ijito  the  better  ;  they  do  not  suit  us.  Keep  to  our  sphere 
and  do  not  go  out  of  its  bbuhds. 

"  Seventh  Month,  12th. — This  day  was  not  idle,  but  not 
religious.  I  was  most  part  of  the  morning  at  Norwich ;  in 
the  afternoon  I  settled  accounts ;  and  in  the  evening  cut  out 
clothes  for  the  poor.  I  don't  think  I  have  looked  into  the 
Testament,  or  written  my  journal  to-day.  It  leads  me  to 
remember  what  Uncle  Joseph  said  to  me  the  other  day,  after 
relating  or  reading  to  me  the  history  of  Mary  who  anointed 
our  Saviour  with  the  precious  ointment,  and  His  disciples 
said  she  might  have  sold  it  and  given  to  the  pOor;  but 
Christ  said,  '  The  poor  ye  have  always  with  you,  but  me  y& 
have  not  always.'  Now  I  thought,  as  Uncle  Joseph  re- 
marked, I  might  this  evening  have  spent  too  much  time 


EARLY  LIFE. 


65 


about  the  poor  that  should  have  been  spent  about  better 
things. 

"Ninth  Month,  IZth. — ^This  moming  I  awoke  with  a 
cloud  over  my  mind,  and  so  I  must  expect  both  to  wake  and 
sleep,  if  I  do  not  tiy  more  completely  to  do  the  will  of  God. 
I  dare  not  take  resolutions,  as  I  know  now  I  cannot  keep  up 
to  them. 

"  VJth. — feel  a  comfortable  state  of  mind,  not  so  in- 
clined to  be  off  my  guard  as  sometimes.  I  know  it  is  not 
owing  to  myself,  but  being  so  should  be  a  cause  of  gratitude. 

"This  evening  I  did  a  thing  I  felt  I  had  to  repent  of;  but 
it  has  at  least  made  me  clear  upon  the  subject.  As  they 
were  singing  and  playing  they  begged  me  to  sing,  and  I  di4 
it ;  but  I  felt  far  more  pain  than  pleasure  from  doing  it.  A 
reaUy  uneasy  mind  was  my  portion  the  rest  of  the  evenings, 

"  l%th. — This  morning  I  went  to  meeting  and  fully  felt  my 
weakness;  but  I  have  found  myself  to-day  and  yesterday  a 
little  under  the  influence  of  rehgion  which  is  a  blessed 
thing.  I  had  much  palpitation  at  the  Meeting  of  Discipline, 
because  I  saw  some  things  so  clearly,  but  being  mentioned 
by  others,  I  thought  I  might  get  off  giving  an  opinion.';,  I 
was  proposed  to  be  a  representative,  and  said  I  had  no  ob- 
jection, on  my  own  part,  because  though  I  know  how  weak 
I  am,  yet  even  the  weak  should  not  fear  to  exert  the  little 
power  they  have ;  and  I  do  feel  interested  for  the  Society, 
and  for  the  most  part  approve  its  principles  highly. ' 

"  Tenth  Month,  Ist.—I  feel  in  a  state  of  much  mental 
weakness,  real  and  true  discouragement ;  I  have  little  faith 
find  Uttle  hope,  and  am  almost  fallen  so  as  not  to  be  able  fp 
Vise.  But  if  there  be  a  God  and  a  Saviour  I  need  not  learj 
for  though  I  know  and  find  my  state  of  corruption,  yet  I  be- 
lieve the  warmest  wish  of  my  heart  is  to  do  the  wUl  of  God 
and  act  right :  I  do  most  truly  hunger  and  thkst  after  right- 
eousness. I  find  one  thing  very  hard  to  overcome,  which  i% 
pride  and  vanity  in  outward  religious  matters.  True  rehg^i 
ion  I  believe  wiU  not  admit  of  pride  and  vanity.  Another 


ELIZABETH  FB7. 


temptation  is  tliat  I  have  too  much  formed  in  my  own  mind 

•what  I  thiiik  I  am  to  be ;  which  may  outwardly  encourage 
me  in  a  path  that  nothing  but  the  dictates  of  conscience 
should  lead  me  into.  I  am  really  weak  in  faith  and  in  works. 
I  believe,  at  least  I  have  a  hope,  that  if  I  exert  the  little 
power  I  now  have  given  me,  the  day  will  come  when  I  shall 
feel  the  power  of  God  within  me. 

"  13iA.— Narrow  is  the  path  that  leadeth  unto  life  eternal, 
and  few  there  be  that  find  it.  There  are  many  called,  but 
few  chosen — for  though  we  are  blessed  with  being  called, 
yet  if  we  follow  not  when  we  are  called,  and  that  strictly, 
we  do  not  deserve  to  be  called  the  childi-en  of  God,  for,  aa 
it  says  in  Eevelations,  'He  that  overcometh  shall  inherit  alj 
things,  and  I  will  be  his  God  and  he  shall  be  my  son'.' 

"£Jleventh  Month,  11th,  First  day. — ^In  the  evening,  with 
my  childi'en,  I  had,  in  some  respects,  a  very  comfortable 
timel"it  was  at  least  my  wish  to  act  right  with  them.  In 
part  of  one  of  the  chapters  I  seemed  carried  thi'ough  to  ex- 
plain something  to  them  in  a  way  I  hardly  ever  did  before. 
It  was  striking  the  difference  in  my  power  this  evening  and 
this  day  week.  This  day  week  I  tried  and  tried  to  explain, 
and  the  more  I  tried  the  more  I  seemed  to  blunder ;  and  this 
evening  I  was  determined  not  to  attempt  it  unless  I  felt  ca- 
pable ;  and  that  I  did,  suddenly  and  unexpectedly  to  myself. 
I  had  a  flow  of  ideas  come  one  after  another,  in  a  sweet  and 
refreshing  way.  The  rest  of  the  evening  was  principally 
spent  with  Hannah  Scarnell  talking  about  my  poor  mother, 
■who  died  this  day  seven  years. 

"  2Gth. — Towards  the  latter  part  of  yesteraay  evening  I 
had  some  uncomfortable  mental  feelings,  and  this  moiidng 
they  really  amounted  to  pain  of  mind.  I  believe  they 
were  deep  and  inward  temptations  of  the  imagination.  Si- 
lent waiting  upon  God  seemed  my  only  resource,  and  it  waa 
difficult  to  do  so.  It  was  like  a  trial  in  my  mind  between 
the  two  powers.  I\Iy  imagination  I  think  was  partly  set  at 
work  by  being  nervous,  rather  more  so  than  usual ;  and  it 


BABLT  LIFB. 


57 


requires  spiritual  strength  to  overcome  the  painful  workings 
of  nervous  imagination.  There  are  few  temptations,  I  be- 
lieve, so  hard  to  overcome,  as  those  that  try  to  put  on  the 
appearance  of  duties.  They  are  willing  to  represent  the 
Spirit  of  truth  in  our  hearts.  At  such  times,  before  I  acfi 
try  quietly  to  wait  upon  God ;  look  to  Him  for  help :  and 
when  things  at  all  appear  in  the  light  of  duties,  the  thought 
of  which  produces  agony  to  the  soul,  it  requires  much  de- 
liberation before  we  act. 

"  Tioelfth  Month,  11th. — In  the  afternoon  I  was  rather 
industrious.  I  was  uncertain  whether  to  go  to  the  Grove 
or  not,  but  at  last  I  fixed  to  do  so.  In  going  there  I  ob- 
served the  sweet  states  I  had  experienced  for  being  obedi- 
ent. My  path  seemed  clear,  and  my  heart  acknowledged  'I 
have  sought  and  have  found,  I  have  knocked  and  it  has 
been  opened  unto  me.'  It  also  appeared  to  me  in  how  beau- 
tiful a  manner  things  work  together  for  good.  After  all 
this  again  myself  got  the  victory,  and  I  came  home  with  a 
degree  of  remorse  for  saying  more  upon  some  subjects  than 
I  should  have  said.  How  great  a  vhtue  is  silence,  properly 
attended  to!" 


CHAPTER  SECOND. 


HAKBIAOE  AND  THE  IHXISTBT. 

"We  have  now  seen  Elizabeth  Gurney,  at  the  age  of  nine- 
teen, developed  into  an  earnest,  pious  and  sensible  Quaker- 
ess, lovely  in  person,  agreeable  in  manners,  and  full  of  ben- 
evolent impulses  and  aspii-ations,  already  conscious  of  a  caU 
to  the  highest  work  of  which  man  is  capable,  and  steadUj 
engaged  in  the  preparatory  offices  of  teaching  the  young, 
end  giving  help  to  the  needy.  In  addition  to  her  Sabbath 
evening  class  in  the  Testament,  she  had  for  some  time  kept 
a  charity  day  school  for  poor  children,  at  her  father's  resi- 
3ence.  This  school  enlarged  until  it  numbered  eighty-si> 
pupUs,  all  of  which  she  taught  and  governed  with  a  tact  pe 
cuHar  to'herself.  She  also  visited  the  sick,  reading  and  con- 
versing* with  them  as  opportunity  offered.  All  this  appears 
lb  have  been  done,  less  from  sense  of  duty,  than  from  the 
kindly  impulses  of  her  own  heart . 

"  At  this  time,  Elizabeth  Gurney  wore  the  cap  and  close 
handkerchief  of  Friends,  and  with  the  dress  had  adopted 
their  other  peculiarities.  This  added  to  her  comfort  and 
spared  her  many  difficulties.  Of  the  truth  of  their  princi- 
ples she  had  long  been  convinced,  and  had  dehberately  chos- 
en Quakerism  as  the  future  rehgious  profession  of  her  life. 

"Her  mind,  being  thus  established  on  matters  of  the  first 


UABBIAGE  AKS  THE  MINISTBT 


59 


importance,  was  better  prepared  to  entertain  a  subject  which 
now  claimed  her  consideration — proposals  of  marriage  from 
Mr.  Joseph  Fry,  at  that  time  engaged  with  his  brother,  Mr. 
William  Fry,  in  extensive  business  ia  London.  Her  timid, 
Bensitive  nature  shrank  at  first  from  so  momentous  a  ques- 
tion, and  for  a  time  she  seemed  unable,  or  unwilling  to  en- 
coimter  the  responsibility.  Gradually,  with  individual  pref- 
erence, her  mind  opened  to  the  suitability  of  the  connection. 
Her  habits  and  education  had  rendered  affluence  almost  es- 
sential to  her  comfort ;  whilst  entering  Mr.  Fry's  family  and 
the  prospect  of  residing  among  Friends  oflfered  great  and 
strong  inducements  to  her  feelings.  Her  anxious  desire  to 
be  rightly  guided  in  her  decision  is  marked  by  the  following 
letter  to  her  cousin  Joseph  Gurney  Bevan."  (Memoir.) 

The  following  minute  of  self-examination  is  given  before 
the  letter  referred  to  as  it  precedes  it  in  date. 

«  Twelfth  '^onth,  llth.  (1799)— I  believe  the  true  state  o! 
my  mind  is  as  follows.  I  have,  almost  ever  since  I  have 
been  a  little  under  the  influence  of  rehgion,  thought  marriage 
at  this  time  was  not  a  good  thing  for  me  ;  as  it  might  lead 
my  interests  and  affections  from  that  source  in  which  they 
should  be  centered  ;  and  also  if  I  have  any  active  duties  to 
perform  in  the  church,  if  I  really  follow,  as  far  as  I  f^m  able 
the  voice  of  Truth  in  my  heart,  are  they  not  rather  incom- 
patible with  the  duties  of  a  wife  and  mother  ?  And  is  it  not 
safest  to  wait  and  see  what  is  the  probable  coiu'se  I  shalj 
take  in  this  life,  before  I  enter  into  any  engagement  that  af- 
fects my  future  career?  So  I  think,  and  so  I  have  thought^ 
But  to  look  on  the  other  side.  If  Truth  appears  to  tell  m^ 
I  may  marry,  I  should  leave  the  rest,  and  hope,  whatsoeveB 
my  duties  are,  I  shall  be  able  to  perform  them ;  but  it  il 
now,  at  this  time  the  prayer  of  my  heai-t  that  if  I  ever  shouI(| 


60 


ELIZABETH  FET. 


be  a  mother  I  may  rest  with  my  children,  and  really  find  my 
duties  lead  me  to  them  and  my  hasband ;  and  if  my  duty 
ever  leads  me  from  my  family,  that  it  may  be  in  single  life. 
I  must  leave  all  to  the  wisdom  of  a  superior  Power,  and,  in 
humble  confidence,  pray  for  assistance,  both  now  and  for- 
evermore,  in  performiDg  the  Divine  wiU." 

Clapham,  Fourth  Month,  1800. 

"  My  dearest  Cousin : — 

It  is  not  pleasant  to  me  having  a  subject  that  now  is  of 
no  small  importance  to  me  unknown  to  thee,  for  I  feel  thee 
to  be,  and  love  thee  as  my  kind  friend.  Some  time  ago 
Joseph  Fry,  youngest  son  of  "William  Storrs  Fry  of  London, 
paid  us  a  visit  at  Earlham  and  made  me  an  offer  of  marriage. 
Since  our  stay  in  the  neighborhood  he  has  renewed  his  ad- 
dresses. I  have  had  many  doubts,  many  risings  and  fall- 
ings about  the  affair.  My  most  anxious  wish  is  that  I  may 
not  hinder  my  spiritual  welfare,  which  I  have  so  much  feared 
as  to  make  me  often  doubt  if  marriage  were  a  desirable  thing 
for  me  at  this  time,  or  even  the  thoughts  of  it.  But  as  I 
wish  (at  least  I  think  I  wish)  in  this  as  in  other  things  to  do 
the  wUl  of  God,  I  hope  I  shall  be  shown  the  path  right  for 
me  to  walk  in.  I  do  not  think  I  could  have  refused  him, 
with  a  pToper  authority  at  this  time.  If  I  am  to  marry 
Before  very  long  it  overturns  my  theories,  and  may  teach  me 
that  the  ways  of  the  Lord  are  unsearchable ;  and  that  I  am 
ftot  to  draw  out  a  path  of  right  for  myself ;  but  to  look  io 
the  One  who  only  knows  what  is  really  good  for  me.  But 
the  idea  of  leaving  my  station  at  home  is  to  me  surprising, 
^s  I  had  not  thought  that  would  have  been  the  case,  and 
perhaps  it  may  not  now  happen,  but  it  does  not  seem  im- 
probable. How  anxiously  do  I  desire  I  may,  through  all, 
strive  after  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  one  day,  if  it  be 
kght,  obtain  it.  Excuse  this  hasty  scrawl  and  beheve  me^ 
my  dear  cousin,  thy  very  affectionate 

E.  GUENEI." 


UABBIAQE  AND  TH£  MIKISTBT. 


"  Earlham,  Fifth  Month,  ZOth. — I  have  ■written  lateiy 
many  melancholy  journals,  and  I  seem  rather  inclined  this 
morning  gratefully  to  mention  the  calm  and  sweet  state  1 
feel  in.  Even  if  the  feelings  be  only  for  this  time,  it  is  8 
blessing  to  have  them.  My  feeliags  towards  Joseph  are  so 
calm  and  pleasant,  and  I  can  look  forward  with  so  much 
cheerfulness  to  a  connection  with  him. 

"  Sixth  Month,  Qth. — I  felt  rather  nervous  and  weak  thia 
morning.  I  wrote  to  Eliza  Fry,  and  worked  and  talked. 
I  might  talk  too  much.  I  received  a  letter  I  liked  frorc 
Joseph,  and  answered  it  this  afternoon.  I  felt  unwilling  to 
represent  my  own  faults  to  him,  although  I  told  him  how 
faulty  I  was ;  yet  it  is  much  more  unpleasant  to  acknowl- 
edge any  real  fault  committed  than  the  natui-al  inclination 
to  faults. 

"  Eighth  Month  IZth. — This  morning  the  Fellows  were 
here ;  nothing  particular  happened  until  evening  when  all  my 
poor  children  came.  It  was  rather  a  melancholy  time  to  me. 
After  having  enjoyed  themselves  playing  about  I  took  them 
to  the  summer-house  and  bade  them  farewell ;  there  were 
about  eighty-six  of  them ;  many  of  them  wept ;  I  felt  rathet 
coldly  when  with  them,  but  when  they  went  away  I  shed  my 
tears  also  ;  and  then  my  desires  took  the  turn  of  anxiously 
longing  for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  us  all,  as  a  family." 

I  now  quote  at-  some  length  from  the  Memoir,  chapter 
Ififth. 

«  The  marriage  of  Joseph  Fry  and  Ehzabeth  Gurney  took 
place  on  the  19th  of  August,  1800,  at  the  Friends'  Meeting 
house  in  Norwich  ;  her  own  description  of  the  day  is : — 

"  'I  awoke  in  a  sort  of  terror  at  the  prospect  before  me, 
but  sdon  gained  quietness  and  something  of  oh6erfulnesB. 
After  dressing  we  set  off  for  Meeting ;  I  was  altogethoi' 
comfortable.  The  Meeting  was  crowded  :  I  felt  serious  and 
looking  in  measure  to  the  only  sure  place  for  support.  It 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


was  to  me  a  truly  solemn  time ;  1  felt  every  word;  and  not 

only  felt  but  in  my  manner  of  speaking  expressed  how  I 
felt ;  Joseph  also  spoke  well.  Most  solemn  it  truly  was. 
After  we  sat  silent  some  little  time  Sarah  Chandler  knelt 
down  in  prayer;  my  heart  prayed  with  her.  I  believe  words 
are  inadequate  to  describe  the  feelings  on  such  an  occasion ; 
I  wept  good  part  of  the  time,  and  my  beloved  father  seemed 
as  much  overcome  as  I  \vas.  The  day  passed  off  well,  and 
I  think  I  was  very  comfortably  supported  under  it,  although 
cold  hands  and  a  beating  heart  were  often  my  lot.' 

"  Leaving  the  home  of  her  childhood  was  a  gi'eat  effort  to 
her.  Driving  through  Norwich  for  the  last  time  as  a  resi- 
dence '  the  very  stones  of  the  street  seemed  dear '  to  her.  On 
the  31st  of  the  same  month  she  says  : — 

"  'We  arrived  at  Plashet  about  three  o'clock ;  it  was  strange 
to  me.  I  was  much  pleased  with  the  place,  and  admired  the 
kindness  of  its  inhabitants.' 

"  Her  home,  however,  was  for  some  years,  to  be  in  scenes 
far  less  congenial  to  her  early  habits  than  Plashet  House,  in 
Essex,  then  the  residence  of  her  husband's  parents.  It  was 
a  much  more  prevailing  custom  in  that  day  than  it  is  now, 
for  the  junior  partner  to  reside  in  the  house  of  business,  in 
conformity  with  which  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Joseph  Fry  prepared 
to  estabhsh  themselves  in  St.  Mildred's  Court,  in  the  city  of 
London.  The  house  was  large,  au"y,  commodious,  and  what 
in  the  city  is  a  still  more  rare  advantage,  quiet ;  and  con- 
tinued to  be  an  occasional  residence  of  different  members  of 
the  family  till  it  was  p;jUgd  down  in  consequence  of  altera- 
tions in  London.  _ 

"  Elizabeth  Fry  Waj  by Iher  marriage,  brought  into  com- 
pletely new  cifcumsfafice's.';  li^i'  husband's  family  had  been 
members  of  the  SoBiefy  of  Friends  since  an  eurly  perio^ 
after  its  foundation.  In  thi's  it  resembled  her  own;  but^ 
unlike  her  own  parents,  her  father  and  mother-in-law  were 
*  plain  and  consistent  Friends ; '  she  was  surrounded  by  a 
lai'ge  ciicle  of  new  connections  and  acquaintance  who  differed 


UABBIAQB  AKD  THE  MINISTB7. 


63 


from  her  own  early  associates,  in  being,  almost  exclusively, 
strict  Friends.  Thus  she  found  herself  the  'gay  instead  of 
the  plain  and  scrupulous  one  of  the  family.'  This  for  a 
time  brought  her  into  occasional  difficulty  and  trial,  from 
the  incongruity  of  the  parties  assembled  at  her  house, 
formed  of  her  own  family  and  nearest  connections  whom 
she  so  tenderly  loved,  and  those  with  whom  she  was  in 
strict  religious  communion,  but  whose  habits  and  sentiments 
differed  fr'om  theirs ;  and  she  f eai'ed  for  herself,  lest  in  the 
desire  to  please  all  she  should  in  any  degree  swerve  from 
the  line  of  conduct  which  she  believed  right  for  herself- 

"  George  DUwyn  from  Philadelphia,  a  Friend  engaged  in 
religious  service  in  London,  became  their  guest  on  the  7th 
of  November,  only  a  week  after  the  young  married  pair  had 
ariived  at  their  home ;  he  remained  with  them  upwards  of  a 
month,  and  his  company  appears  to  have  been  useful  and 
agreeable  to  them,  although  his  presence  brought  the  bride 
into  difficulty  on  a  point  which  at  the  present  time  seems 
almost  inconceivable — that  of  reading  the  Holy  Scriptures 
aloud  after  breakfast.  Family  devotion  among  aU  persua- 
sions was  much  less  common  at  that  pei'iod  than  it  is  now  j 
and  the  habit  of  assembling  the  household  at  a  stated  hour 
daily  for  domestic  worship  was  almost  unknown.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Fry's  servants  were  not  partakers  of  this  privilege,  ex- 
cept on  Sunday  evenings,  until  some  years  after  their  mar* 
riage." 

Eleventh  Month,  1th. — George  Dilwyn  came  to-day;  I 
feel  almost  overcome  with  my  own  weakness,  when  with  such 
people. 

"IlfA. — After  breakfast  I  believed  it  better  to  propose 
reading  tho  Bible,  but  I  felt  it,  particularly  as  my  brother 
William  was  here ;  not  liking  the  appearance  of  young  peo- 
ple like  us,  appearing  to  profess  more  than  they  who  had 
lived  here  before  us.  However  I  put  ofif,  and  put  off,  till 
both  William  and  Joseph  went  down ;  I  then  felt  uneasy 


64 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


under  it,  and  when  Joseph  came  back  I  told  him,  as  I  did 
before,  what  I  wished.  He,  at  last,  sat  down,  having  told 
George  Dilwyn  my  desire.  I  began  to  read  the  46  th  Psalm, 
but  was  so  overcome  that  I  could  hardly  read,  and  gave  it  to 
Joseph  to  fiuish. 

"12th. — rather  felt  this  morning  it  would  have  been 
right  for  me  to  read  the  Bjble  again,  and  stop  George  Dil- 
wyn and  Joseph  reading  somethmg  else.  Now  stopping 
G.  D.jwas  a  difficult  thing;  for  a  person  like  me  to  remind 
him !  however  I  did  not  fully  do  as  I  thought  right,  for  I 
did  not  openly  tell  G.  D.,  we  were  going  to  read,  but  spoke 
to  my  husband  so  as  for  him  to  hear  ;  then  he  read,  I  know- 
ing I  had  not  done  my  best. 

*'  14ith. — I  again  felt  some  difficulty  at  reading  the  Bible  ; 
however  I  got  through  well.  George  Dilwyn  encouraged 
me  by  saying  he  thought  I  portioned  the  reading  well. 
After  a  little  busthng  we  set  off  for  Hampstead.    I  was 

there  told  by  he  thought  my  manners  had  too  much 

of  the  courtier  in  them,  which  I  knew  to  be  the  case,  for  my 
disposition  leads  me  to  hurt  no  one  that  I  can  avoid:  and  1 
do  sometimes  but  just  keep  to  truth  with  people  from  a 
natural  yielding  to  them  in  such  things  as  please  them.  I 
think  doing  so  in  moderation  is  pleasant  and  useful  in  society. 
It  is  amongst  those  things  that  produce  the  harmony  of 
society  for  the  truth  must  not  be  spoken  out  at  all  times,  at 
least  not  the  whole  truth.  I  will  give  an  instance  of  what  I 
mean.  Suppose  any  one  was  to  show  me  the  color  of  a  room 
that  I  thought  pretty,  I  should  say  so,  although  I  thought 
others  more  so,  and  omit  saying  that.  Perhaps  I  am  wrong  ; 
I  do  not  know  if  I  be  not ;  but  it  wiU  not  always  do  to  tell 
our  minds.  This  I  have  observed  (and  I  am  sorry  for  it) 
that  I  feel  it  hard,  when  duty  dictates,  to  do  what  I  think 
may  hurt  others.  I  believe  this  feeling  of  mine  originates 
in  self-love,  from  the  dislike  of  being  myself  the  cause  of 
pain  and  uneasiness." 


UABBIAGE  AND  THB  UHOSTBT. 


65 


The  above  is  a  fine  illustration  of  character.  Through  her 
entire  want  of  self-esteem  she  takes  to  herself  discredit  for 
that  disposition  which  won  her  almost  universal  favor  an 
enabled  her  to  accomplish  veiy  difficult  reforms  without 
making  an  enemy — a  disposition  wanting  which  many  well- 
meaning,  but  not  wholly  well-feeling,  people  often  do  aa 
much  harm  as  good  in  ti-ying  to  do  what  they  conceive  to  be 
their  duty.  I  said,  without  making  an  enemy.  Perhaps 
she  made  one,  and  that  through  inattention,  as  she  thought, 
to  the  principle  above  noted,  not  always  to  speak  what  is  in 
our  mind.  In  her  humane  zeal  to  save  a  poor  weak  girl  from 
the  gallows  for  passing  counterfeit  money  at  the  persuasion 
of  her  lover,  she  offended  the  Secretary  of  State,  Lord  Sid- 
mouth,  by  reflecting  on  the  conduct  of  certain  bank  officers, 
concerned  in  the  case,  and  the  inhuman  Judge  let  the  un- 
happy girl  die,  and  closed  his  ears  thereafter  to  appeals  from 
her  intercessor.  It  may  have  been  an  indiscretion,  though 
it  seems  bom  of  the  Spirit  which  cried  "Woe  unto  you 
Scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites!  "  and  which  brought  the 
wrath  of  those  murderers  on  the  head  of  Him  who  could  not 
brook  wrongs  to  the  poor. 

"I5t/i. — George  DUwyn  said  for  our  encouragement  this 
mormng,  that  he  had  seen,  since  he  had  been  with  us,  the  effi- 
cacy of  reading  in  the  Bible  the  first  thing, — he  thought  it  a 
good  beginning  for  the  day." 

The  next  step,  so  delicately  pointed  to  by  the  guiding 
Finger  of  Light  in  her  mind,  she  found  equally  difficult  to 
take,  and  did  not  take,  until  long  afterwards,  perhaps  in  con- 
sequence of  her  shrinking  from  the  first  gentle  command. 

'*Qth.  (iJecemSer)— Anna  Savery  drank  tea  here;  we  had 


66 


BXIZABETH  FBZ> 


not  sat  long  after  tea  before  we  fell  into  sflence.  During 

the  tune  1  first  felt  a  sort  of  auxiety  for  the  welfare  of  U3 
young  travelers,  and  it  came  strongly  across  my  nund  openly 
to  express  it .  This  put  me  into  an  agitation  not  easily  to 
be  described;  and  I  continued  in  this  state,  which  was  a 
truly  painful  one,  nearly  feeling  it  my  duty  to  pray  aloud 
for  us ;  oh  how  hard  it  did  seem !  I  tried  to  ran  from  it,  but 
I  found  the  most  safety  ia  trying  to  wait  upon  God;  hoping 
if  it  were  imagination,  to  overcome  it ;  if  it  were  a  duty  that 
I  might  be  obedient.  Towai'ds  the  latter  end  I  felt  moj'e 
inclined  towards  obedience.  But  what  an  obstacle  is  my  not 
holding  my  will  in  subservience  to  that  of  my  Maker ;  for 
perhaps,  after  all,  it  was  only  a  trial  of  my  obedience  that 
would  not  have  been  called  for,  but  to  show  me  how  far  I 
was  from  a  resigned  state  of  heart.  I  felt  oppressed  the 
rest  of  the  evening. 

"  10th. — I  woke  in  a  bmdened  state  of  mind ;  I  thought 
it  better  to  reheve  it  to  my  dear  husband  and  found  comfort 
in  doing  so ;  he  warned  me  against  imagination.  I  must  try 
to  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  I  hope  to  find  safety.  I  felt  quite 
in  a  state  of  agitation  till  we  went  to  Meeting ;  it  made  me 
feel  almost  ill  in  body,  both  last  night  and  this  morning. 
However  my  mind  was  sweetly  calmed  in  Meeting,  and  I 
felt  vastly  reheved  from  my  terrors,  and  a  Uttle  love  and 
trusting  in  the  Heavenly  Master.  I  was  almost  ready  to  do 
whatever  might  be  right  for  me.  Oh!  may  I  give  up  to 
what  is  called  for  at  my  hand  ;  and  may  I  not  be  deceive(3, 
but  follow  the  true  Shepherd,  for  my  feet  seem  much  in- 
inclined  to  wander ! " 

That  fatal  almost  f"  How  many  have  been  wrecked 
upon  it !  Almost  thou  persuadest  me  to  be  a  Christian." 
The  Jews  were  almost  ready  to  go  into  the  Promised  Land, 
but  turned  back,  alarmed  by  their  false  spies.  So  it  is  with 
all  of  us.   Even  faithful  Ehzabeth  Fry  was  no  exception. 


KABBIAOB  AND  THE  IQNISTBT. 


67 


Had  she  been  able  to  yield  to  the  simple  impnlses  of  her 
heart  -when  she  felt  longings  for  the  welfare  of  herself  and 
Anna  Savery,  and,  asked  God  to  bless  and  guide  them,  as 
she  would  have  asked  her  earthly  parent  for  aid  had  she 
needed  it,  her  entrance  upon  the  open  work  of  the  ministry 
would  have  been  easy  and  natm  aU  Battles  she  would  have 
had  still  to  fight,  but  victory  would  have  been  given  to  faith- 
ful obedience.  She  was,  however,  not  ripe  for  it,  as  the  event 
proved.  She  tvumed  back  because  she  was  still  in  bonds, 
spiritually.  She  was  trying  to  do  God's  work  as  a  servant, 
rather  than  as  a  child — under  compulsion,  instead  of  from 
love.  She  still  needed  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and 
of  fire  which  would  bring  the  Spirit  of  Chiist  into  her  very 
soul,  before  a  true  and  efficacious  gospel  ministry  could  flow 
from  it.  After  nine  years  of  incessant  and  often  bewildering 
struggle  with  life,  in  a  crowded  city  home,  and  the  birth  of 
six  children,  and  when  her  beloved  father  lay  dead  in  the 
home  of  her  childhood,  having  breathed  out  his  soul,  after 
a  severe  struggle  with  conscience,  in  a  hvely  hope  of  Heav- 
en— ^then,  at  last,  the  subdued  flame  of  piety  burst  forth  in 
prayer  and  thanksgiving  in  the  sight  of  men. 

If  we  could  only  be  faithful  to  the  first,  or  even  the  second 
call,  how  much  sorrow  would  be  spared.  But  because  wb 
are  then  only  half  converted,  because  we  have  Christ  before 
our  eyes,  instead  of  in  our  hearts,  because,  though  the 
epiiit  is  willing  the  flesh  is  yet  weak,  we  slumber  while  the 
crucial  hour  of  fate  is  passing ;  and  after  twice  rousing  us, 
and  again  silently  looking  upon  our  prostration,  the  Lord 
says  to  us,  "Sleep  on  now  and  take  your  rest; — he  is  at  hand 
that  doth  betray  me."  The  traitor  is  indeed  at  hand  in  all 
our  hearts  when  either  the  feai'  of  man  or  the  iove  of  gain 


68 


ELIZABETH  FEY. 


effectually  closes  our  eyes  and  ears  to  Chiist's  appeal. 

The  minute  in  her  Journal  succeeding  that  last  given 
shows  that  the  Spirit  was  now  to  some  extent  withdrawn. 

"  14:th. — I  attended  both  Meetings  as  usual,  and  as  usual, 
came  from  them  flat  and  discouraged.  To  attend  our  place 
of  worship,  and  there  spend  almost  all  the  time  in  worldly 
thoughts  is  I  fear  too  great  a  mark  of  how  my  time  is  mostly 
spent ;  indeed  my  life  appears,  at  this  time,  to  be  spent  to 
little  more  purpose  than  eating,  drinking,  sleeping  an(3 
clothing  myself.  But  if  we  analyze  the  employment  of  most, 
what  do  they  more  than,  in  some  way  attend  to  the  bodily 
wants  of  themselves  or  others?  What  is  our  work,  th« 
good  we  do  for  the  poor,  &c.,  &c.,  but  for  the  body  ? 

«  Third  Ilonth,  15th.  (1801).— I  felt  really  better  this 
morning  (alluding  to  a  previous  indisposition)  and  went  to 
Meeting,  but  all  my  small  efforts  to  quiet  my  thoughts  were 
meffectual ;  the  same  in  the  afternoon ;  it  is  very  serious. 
Really  when  I  awake  in  the  morning  I  feel  a  flatness  ;  when 
I  find  my  great  object  of  the  day  no  longer  appears  to  be 
even  to  wish  to  do  the  will  of  my  Ci  eator.  But  I  am  as 
one  who  has,  in  some  measure,  lost  bis  pilot  and  is  tossed 
about  by  the  waves  of  the  world.  But  I  trust  that  there  is 
yet  a  power  that  will  prevent  my  di'owning.  I  draw  some 
consolation  from  my  dreams  of  old,  for  how  often  was  I  near 
drowning,  and  yet  at  last  saved. 

"  25th. — I  feel  almost  overcome  with  the  multiplicity  of 
visitings  and  goings  out. 

"15th.  (June J — If  I  can  with  truth  acknowledge  it  to  be 
my  first  wish  to  do  my  best,  although  I  may  not  feel  the 
sensible  gratification  of  doing  my  duty,  I  may  yet  be  really 
doing  it.  If  I  do  all  I  can,  I  have  no  occasion  to  fear  sooner 
or  later  meeting  with  my  reward.  I  was  rather  disappointed 
at  our  having  company :  indeed  we  have  now  little  time 
alone.  It  is  quite  a  serious  thing,  our  being  so  constantly 
liable  to  interruptions  as  we  are.    I  do  not  think  since  we 


BIABBIAGE  AND  THE  MUaSTBT. 


69 


married  we  have  had  one-foiirth  of  our  meals  alone.  I  long 
for  more  retirement,  but  it  appears  out  of  our  power  to  pro- 
cure it ;  and  therefore  it  is  best  to  be  as  patient  under  inter- 
ruptions as  we  can,  but  I  think  it  a  serious  disadvantage  to 
young  people  setting  out  in  life. 

"  15th.  (August) — I  have  had  an  interesting  talk  with  my 
dear  sister  Kachel :  She  appears  to  me  to  have  perceived 
that  which  will  direct  her  steps.  But  how  hard  it  is  deeply, 
etrictly,  and  for  a  long  time  together,  to  have  our  first  ob- 
ject to  serve  our  Creator — for  at  first  there  is  a  natural  glee, 
as  for  something  new,  and  then  we  feel  we  have  to  pass 
through  lukewarmness  which  is  a  dangerous  state ;  I  believe 
one  where  many  are  lost.    May  I  be  carried  through  it ! 

Her  maternal  trials  and  pleasuies,  succeeded  each  other 
apace,  adding  what  all  mothers  understand  to  the  anxieties 
as  well  as  charms  of  a  busy  life. 

"  Tenth  Month,  1st. — My  present  feelings  for  the  babe, 
are  so  acute  as  to  render  me  at  times  unhappy  from  an  over 
anxiety  about  her,  such  a  one  as  I  never  feit  before  for  any 
one.  Now  it  appears  to  me  this  over  anxiety  arises  from 
extreme  love,  weak  spirits  and  state  of  health,  and  not  being 
under  the  influence  of  principle  that  would  lead  me  to  over- 
come these  natural  feelings,  as  far  as  they  tend  to  my 
misery.  For  if  I  were  under  the  influence  of  principle,  I 
might  trust  that  my  dear  infant  indeed  was  under  the  care 
and  protection  of  an  infinitely  wise  and  just  Providence  that 
permits  her  little  sufferings  for  some  good  end  that  I  knew 
not  of.  How  anxiously  do  I  hope  this  poor  dear  baby  may 
be  held  by  me  in  resignation  to  the  Divine  will.  Oh  !  that 
I  might  feel  dependence  on  that  Almighty  arm  about  her, 
and  about  other  things.  Beyond  everything  else  I  wish  to 
do  my  duty,  idle  and  relaxed  as  I  am  in  performing  it. 

'^'^  Fourth  Month,  19«A,(1802) — Oh!  may  my  obedience 
beep  pace  with  my  knowledge,  at  this  time;  my  knowledge 
of  good  appears  small ;  my  longings  to  be  better  are  only 


70 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


known  by  a  Superior  Power,  wlio  I  trust  will,  in  time,  have 
mercy  on  me.  I  have  this  day  prayed  that  in  this  day  ol 
darkness  I  may  not  prove  an  obstruction  in  the  way  of 
others  ;  truly  a  South  Land  is  my  portion, — only  long  for 
the  wells  of  living  water." 

The  birth  of  her  second  child  is  thus  recorded: 

^'■Fourth  Month,  Vlth. — My  heart  abounded  with  joy  and 
gratitude  when  my  dear  little  girl  was  born,  perfect  and 
lovely.  Words  are  not  equal  to  express  my  feelings,  for  I 
was  most  mercifully  dealt  with,  my  soul  was  so  quiet,  and 
60  much  supported. 

'■'■Plashet,  Fifth  Month,  21s«. — I  have  been  long  prevented 
from  vsTiiting  in  my  journal  by  a  severe  attack  of  indisposi- 
tion. It  is  difficult  exactly  to  express  what  I  have  gone 
through,  but  it  has  been,  now  and  then,  a  time  of  close  trial ; 
my  feelings  being  such,  at  times,  as  to  bo  doubtful  whether 
life  or  death  would  be  my  portion.  One  night  I  was,  I  be- 
lieve, very  seriously  ill :  I  never  remember  feeling  so  forcibly 
how  hard  a  trial  it  was  in  prospect,  to  part  with  life.  Much 
as  my  mind,  as  well  as  body,  was  tried  in  this  emergency, 
etui  I  felt  forcibly  an  inward  support,  and  it  reminded  me 
of  that  text  of  Scripture,  '  Can  a  woman  forget  her  sucking 
child?  Yea,  they  may  forget,  yet  will  I  not  forget  thee.' 
And  then  I  told  those  around  me  that  I  was  so  ill  I  could 
almost  forget  my  child  ;  but  that  I  felt  the  existence  of  a 
Power  that  could  never  forget.  I  have  gone  through  much 
since,  in  various  ways,  from  real  bodily  weakness,  and  also 
the  trials  of  a  nervous  imagination.  No  one  knows,  but  those 
who  have  felt  them  how  hard  those  are  to  bear,  for  they  lead 
the  mind  to  look  for  trouble,  and  it  requu-es  much  exertion 
not  to  be  led  away  by  them.  Nothing  I  beheve  allays  them 
so  much  as  the  quieting  influence  of  religion,  and  that  leads 
us  to  endeavor  after  quietness  under  them,  not  looking  be- 
yond the  present.   But  they  are  a  regular  bodily  disorder 


MAHBIAGE  AND  THE  MINISTER. 


71 


that  I  believe  no  mental  exertion  can  cure  or  overcome  ;  but 
we  must  endeavor  not  to  give  way  to  them." 

From  this  time  onward  the  light  gradually  grew  brighter, 
and  she  again  ^became  engaged  in  various  good  works,  as 
opportunity  was  afforded.  She  was  slowly  coming  back 
toward  the  Land  of  Promise,  which  to  her  was  the  active 
work  of  benevolence,  and  the  Ministryof  the  Gospel  as  th 
highest  part  of  that  work. 

"  Plashet,  Second  Month,  5th.  (1805) — Since  I  last  vrroto 
I  have  been  much  occupied  with  many  things,  rather  more 
than  usual  about  the  poor.  I  have  been  desirous  that  at- 
tending to  them  as  I  do  may  not  prove  a  snare  to  me  :  for 
I  think  acting  charitably  leads  us  often  to  receive  more  credit 
than  we  deserve,  or  at  least  to  fancy  so.  It  is  one  of  those 
things  that  give  my  nature  pleasure ;  therefore  I  believe  I 
am  no  further  praiseworthy  than  that  I  give  way  to  a  natu- 
ral inclination.  Attending  the  afflicted  is  one  of  those 
things  that  so  remarkably  bring  their  reward  with  them  that 
we  may  rest  in  a  sort  of  self-satisfaction  which  is  dangerous ; 
but  I  often  feel  the  blessing  of  being  so  situated  as  to  be 
able  to  assist  the  afflicted,  and  sometimes  a  little  to  relieve 
their  distresses. 

"  11th. — We  ought  to  make  it  an  object  in  conversation 
and  in  conduct  to  endeavor  to  oblige  those  we  are  with,  and 
rather  to  make  the  pleasure  of  others  our  object  than  our 
own.  I  am  clear  it  is  great  virtue  to  be  able  constantly  to 
yield  in  little  things  :  it  begets  the  same  spuit  in  others  and 
renders  life  happy. 

'■^  Fifth  Islonth,  1th. — Yesterday  my  sister  Eliza  Fry  was 
here ;  we  were  saying  something  about  the  children's  di'ess ; 
and  she  remarked  that  for  the  sake  of  others,  (she  meant 
the  fear  of  not  setting  a  good  example)  she  would  not  do 
so  and  so.    I  said  it  struck  me  that  those  who  do  their  dutyi 


72 


ELIZABETH  FEY. 


mth  integrity  are  sei-ving  others  as  weH  as  themselves,  and 
do  more  real  good  to  the  cause  of  religion  than  in  looking 
mi^.ch  outwardly  either  to  what  others  do  or  think.  I  think 
that  con  science  will  sometimes  lead  us  to  feel  for  others  and 
not  act  so  as  materially  to  hurt  a  weak  brother ;  but  I  be- 
lieve we  should  seldom  find  that  we  hm't  those  whose  opin- 
ion would  be  worth  caring  for,  if  we  kept  close  to  the  witness 
in  our  own  hearts.  If  I  were  going  to  do  a  thing  I  should 
endeavor  to  find  whether  it  appeared  to  me  in  any  way 
wrong,  and  whether  I  should  feel  easy  to  do  it,  looking 
secretly  for  help  where  it  is  to  be  found,  and  there  I  believe 
I  should  leave  it ;  and  if  it  led  me  to  act  rather  dififerently 
Erom  some  I  should  probably  be  doing  more  good  to  society 
than  in  any  conformity  merely  on  account  of  others ;  for  if  I 
should  be  preserved  in  the  way  of  obedience  in  other  things 
ifc  would  ia  time  show  from  whence  such  actions  sprung : 
and  I  think  this  very  spirit  of  conforming  in  trifles  to  the 
opinion  of  others  leads  into  forms  that  may  one  day  prove 
a  stumbling  block  to  the  progress  of  our  Society  ;  whereas 
if  we  attend  to  the  principle  that  brought  us  together  it  will 
lead  us  out  of  forms  and  not  into  them." 

The  above  observation  has  been  abundantly  verified  not 
only  in  the  Society  of  Friends  but  in  all  others.  The  true 
principle,  as  referred  to,  is  that  laid  down  by  Christ  when 
He  said  "  The  light  of  the  body  is  the  eye  ;  if  therefore  thine 
eye  be  single  thy  whole  body  shall  be  full  of  light."  It  wa? 
expressed  by  George  Fox  ia  words  that  became  a  kind  of 
watch-word,  "Mind  the  Light."  Had  these  injunctions  been 
generally  heeded  sectarianism  would  have  been  a  thing  un- 
toovm. 

"  Seventh  Month,  3rd. — ^It  appears  to  me  that  we  who  de- 
sire to  be  the  servants  of  Chi-ist  must  expect  to  do  a  part 
of  our  Master's  work,  which  no  doubt  is  to  bear  with  the 


MARBIAQE  AND  THE  MINISTHV. 


73 


wealaiesses  and  infirmities  of  human  nature,  aucl  if  we  be 
favored  to  feel  them  and  not  sink  under  them,  we  may  be 
enabled  in  time  to  help  others  bear  their  burdens ;  and  it 
appears  to  me  that  all  Christian  travelers  must  expect  to 
pass  thi'ough,  in  then-  measure,  the  temptations  and  trials 
their  Master  did  on  eai'th. 

"  Mildred's  Court,  l^th. — ^Yesterday  and  the  day  before  I 
have  been  driven  from  one  thing  lo  another,  and  from  one 
person  to  another,  as  is  usual  in  this  place.  I  have  feared 
my  attention  being  quite  diverted  from  good.  But  I  have 
also  thought  that  doing  our  duttj  is  most  effectually  serving 
fhe  Lord.  May  I  therefore  endeavor  to  do  mine  and  not 
be  impatient  at  my  numerous  interruptions,  but  strive  to 
center  my  mind  in  a  humble  desire  to  do  the  will  of  my 
Creator,  which  will,  through  ail,  create  a  degree  of  quiet- 
ness. 

"  26iA. — I  have  observed  how  much  better  things  axe 
done,  and  how  much  more  satisfaction  they  produce,  when 
done  in  that  quiet,  seeking  state  of  mind.  How  greatly  I 
desire  that  all  I  do  may  be  done  to  the  glory  of  God  rathei 
ihan  to  my  own  self-satisfaction." 

In  the  month  of  May  1808,  for  the  first  time  since  tlie 
decease  of  their  mother,  death  entered  the  large  and  highly 
favored  family  of  John  Gui'ney  and  removed  the  wife  of 
Elizabeth  Fry's  eldest  brother  John.  This  event  became 
the  occasion  of  some  important  changes.  In  his  afiiiciiou 
he  sought  the  advice  of  the  Eev.  Edward  Edwards,  whosa 
influence  among  the  brothers  and  sisters,  all  of  whom  wera 
awakened  to  the  importance  of  a  religious  life,  was  such  aa 
to  lead  several  of  them  to  a  judgment  favoring  the  Church 
of  England.  Others  chose  the  hereditary  faith  of  tha 
Friends,  Elizabeth  having  been  the  first  to  assume  a  de- 
cided stand.    They  became  nearly  ec^ually  divided  ob  theso 


74 


ELIZABETH  FRY 


extreme  right  and  left  wings  of  Pi  otestanism ;  and  yet  they 
preserved  a  remarkable  unity  of  spii'it  and  pui'pose ;  thus 
setting  a  most  beautiful  example  of  Christian  charity.  Two 
of  the  brothers,  Samuel  and  Joseph  John,  and  two  of  the 
sisters,  Elizabeth  and  Priscilla,  were  Friends — three  of  them 
bsing  ministers.  The  brothers  John  and  Daniel,  with 
Catharine,  the  eldest  of  the  family,  who  remained  un- 
married, Louisa,  who  married  Samuel  Hoare,  Esq.,  Bich- 
enda,  wife  of  Rev.  Fi  ancis  Cunningham,  and  Hannah  who 
became  the  wifo  <  :  Sir  T.  Fowell  Buxton,  joined  the 
Episcopal  Chvurch ;  while  Eachel  the  second  sister  aJso  un- 
manied,  remained  without  decided  preference.  In  referring 
to  this  divergence  Mrs.  Fry's  daughters,  who  were  similarly 
divided, — the  eldest,  Katharine,  remaining  a  Friend,  and 
the  second  Eachel,  who  united  with  her  in  editing  their 
mother's  Memoir,  becoming  an  Episcopalian — ^remai'k :  "  It 
was  not  without  pain  that  she  who  had  so  decidedly 
chosen  the  path  of  Friends,  saw  others  so  dear  to  her  as 
decidedly  choosing  another  way,  and  uniting  themselves  with 
the  Chmch  of  England ;  but  as  each  one  became  established 
in  his  own  coui-se,  some  one  way  and  some  the  other,  a  won- 
derful union  and  communion  sprang  up  among  them ;  so 
that  their  bond  in  natural  things  was  not  sti  onger  than  that 
which  united  them  as  devoted  worshipers  of  the  same 
Lord." 

^'  Eighth  Month,  2Qih.  (1808).— 1  have  been  married 
eight  years  yesterday.  Various  trials  of  faith  and  patience 
have  been  permitted  me ;  my  course  '^as  been  very  different 
to  what  I  had  expestfdi  and  instead  of  being,  as  I  had 
hoped,  a  useful  instrument  in  the  Church  Militant,  here  I 
•am,  a  cai'e-wom  wife  and  mother,  outwardly,  nearly  devoted 


MABEIAGB  AOT)  THE  MINISTRY. 


to  the  things  of  this  life.  Though  at  times  this  difference 
in  my  destiration  has  been  trying  to  me,  yet  I  believe  those 
trials  (■nhich  have  certainly  been  very  pinching)  that  I  have 
bad  to  go  through,  have  been  very  useful,  and  brought  me 
to  a  feeling  sense  of  what  I  am ;  and  at  the  same  time  have 
taught  me  where  power  is,  and  in  what  we  are  to  glory ;  not 
in  ourselves,  nor  in  anything  we  can  be,  or  do,  but  we  are 
alone  to  desire  that  He  may  be  glorified,  either  through  us, 
or  others, — ^in  our  being  soreething,  or  nothing,  as  He  may 
Bee  best  for  us.  I  have  seen,  particularly  in  our  spiritual 
allotments,  that  it  is  not  in  man  that  walketh  to  du-ect  his 
eteps.  It  is  om-  place  only  to  be  as  passive  clay  in  His  holy 
bauds,  simply  desiring  that  He  would  make  us  what  He 
would  have  us  to  be.  But  the  way  in  which  this  great  work 
Is  to  be  effected  we  must  leave  to  Him  who  has  been  the 
Author  and  we  may  trust  will  be  the  Finisher  of  the  work : 
and  we  must  not  be  surprised  to  find  it  going  on  differently 
to  what  our  fraU  hearts  would  desire. 

"I  may  also  acknowledge  that,  through  all  my  trials,  there 
does  appear  to  have  been  a  particular  blessing  attending 
me,  botlias  to  the  fatness  of  the  land  and  the  dew  of  Heav- 
en ;  for,  though  I  have  been  at  times  deeply  tried,  inwardly 
and  outwardly,  yet  I  have  always  found  the  dehvering  Arm 
bas  been  near  at  hand,  and  the  trials  have  appeared 
blessed  to  me.  .The  little  efforts,  or  small  acts  of  duty,  I 
have  ever  performed  have  ofien  seemed  remarkably  blessed 
to  me  ;  and  where  others  have  been  concerned,  it  has  also, 
I  think,  been  apparent  to  them  that  the  effort  on  my  part 
has  been  blessed  to  both  parties.  Also  what  shall  I  say 
when  I  look  at  my  husband  and  my  five  lovely  babes  ?  How 
have  I  been  favored  to  recover  from  illness,  and  to  get 
through  them  without  material  injury  in  any  way.  I  also 
observe  bow  any  little  care  towards  my  servants  appeal's  to 
have  been  blessed,  and  what  faithful  and  kind  friends  to  me 
I  have  found  them.  Indeed  I  cannot  enumerate  my  bless- 
ings ;  but  I  may  truly  say,  that  of  all  the  blessings  I  bavo 


76 


KLIZABETH  FBT. 


received,  and  still  receive,  there  is  none  to  compare  with 
lieving  that  I  am  not  yet  forsaken,  but,  notwithstanding  all 
my  deviations,  in  mercy  cared  for.  And,  if  all  the  rest  be 
taken  from  me,  far  above  all  I  desire  that,  if  I  should  be  led 
through  paths  which  I  know  not  of,  which  may  try  my  weak 
faith  and  nature,  I  may  not  lose  faith  in  Thee  ;  but  may  in- 
increasingly  love  Thee,  delight  to  follow  after  Thee,  and  be 
singly  Thine,  giving  aU  things  up  to  Thee  who  hast  hither- 
to been  my  oiily  mercifvil  Protector  and  Preserver." 

The  death  of  her  father-in-law,  soon  after  the  date  of  the 
above  extract,  caused  the  removal  of  Joseph  Fry's  family 
from  London  to  the  country  home  at  Plashet,  in  Essex, 
which  for  the  next  twenty  years  formed  their  principal 
dence ;  a  portion  of  the  season  being  passed  at  Mildred'a 
Court,  London.  About  a  year  after  their  removal  to  Plashet, 
Elizabeth's  father  died ;  and  it  was  on  this  occasion  that  her 
spirit  was  so  powerfully  wrought  upon  that  she  gave  brief 
expression  to  her  feelings,  in  obedience  to  an  impulse  of  the 
Spirit,  which  was  regarded  as  an  entrance  upon  the  work  of 
the  Ministry. 

This  event  is  best  described  in  her  own  words. 

^^Earlham,  ZQth.  (1809) — I  hardly  know  how  to  express 
myself:  I  have  indeed  passed  through  wonders-  On  the 
^6th,  as  we  were  sitting  quietly  together,  (after  my  dear  sis- 
ter Kichenda  had  left  us,  and  my  soul  had  bowed  on  my  be- 
loved father's  account,  of  whom  we  had  daily  very  poor  re- 
ports,) an  express  arrived  bringing  Chenda  back,  saying  o\xt 
most  dear  father  was  so  ill  that  they  did  not  expect  his  life 
vvould  be  spared.  Words  fall  short  to  describe  what  I  felt| 
he  was  so  tenderly  near  and  dear  to  me.  We  soon  believed 
it  best  to  set  off  for  this  place,  on  some  accounts  undet 
great  discoucag^ent,  principally  from  my  owaJ^odily  weaks 


HAKJtlAGK  AND  THE  MINISTBY. 


7T 


ness,  and  also  the  fever  in  the  house ;  but  it  did  not  appear 
as  if  we  could  omit  it,  feeling  as  we  did  ;  therefore,  after  a 
tender  parting  with  my  beloved  flock,  my  dearest  Joseph, 
Chenda  and  I  with  the  baby  set  off.  We  arrived  at  Mil- 
dred's Court  the  first  night,  where  our  dear  sister  left  us,  in 
hopes  of  seeing  our  dear  parent  ahve.  In  very  great  weak- 
ness I  set  off  next  morning,  and  had  at  times  gi'eat  discour- 
agements ;  but  many  hours  were  comforting  and  sweet. 
Healing  on  the  road,  at  different  stages  that  my  dearest 
father  was  living,  we  proceeded  till  we  arrived  at  Earlham 
about  twelve  o'clock  that  night.  We  got  out  of  the  carriage 
and  once  more  saw  him  who  has  been  so  inexpressibly  dear 
to  me  through  life,  since  I  knew  what  love  was ;  he  was 
asleep  but  death  was  strongly  marked  on  his  sweet  and  to 
me  beautiful  face.  Whilst  in  his  room  all  was  sweetness, 
nothing  bitter,  though  how  I  feel  his  loss  is  hard  to  express : 
but  indeed  I  have  abundant  cause  to  rejoice  on  his  account; 
after  very  deep  probation  his  mind  was  so  strikingly  visited 
and  consoled  at  last  in  passing  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death.  He  frequently  expressed  that  he  feared 
no  evil,  but  believed  that  through  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ 
he  should  be  received  in  glory.  His  deep  humility,  and  the 
tender  loving  state  he  was  in,  were  most  valuable  to  those 
around  him.  He  encouraged  us,  his  children,  to  hold  on  our 
way ;  and  sweetly  expressed  his  belief  that  our  love  of  good 
(in  the  degree  we  had  it)  had  been  a  stimulus  and  help  to 
him. 

The  next  morning  he  died  quite  easily.  I  was  not  with 
him,  but  on  entering  the  room,  soon  after  it  was  ovex-,  my 
soul  was  bowed  within  me,  in  love,  not  only  for  the  de- 
ceased, but  also  for  the  living,  and  in  humble  thankfulness; 
80  that  I  could  hardly  help  uttering  (which  I  did)  my 
thanlisgiving  and  praise,  and  also  what  I  felt  for  the  living 
as  well  as  the  dead.  I  cannot  understand  it,  but  the  powoT 
given  was  wonderful  to  myself  and  the  cross  none;  my 
Ueait  was  so  full  that  I  could  hardly  hinder  utterance. 


78 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


"  Eleventh  Month,  3rd. — We  attended  our  beloved 
father's  funeral.  Before  I  went  I  was  so  deeply  impressed 
at  t  mes  with  love  for  all,  and  thanksgiving  that  I  doubted 
"w,  ether  it  might  not  possibly  be  my  place  to  express  it 
•there  ;  but  I  did,  the  evening  before,  htimbly  crave  not  to 
be  permitted  to  do  so  unless  rightly  ca''led  to  it.  Fear  of 
man  appeared  greatly  taken  away.  I  sat  the  meeting 
under  a  solemn  quietness,  though  there  was  preaching 
that  neither  disturbed  nor  enlivened  me  much.  The  same 
words  still  powerfully  impressed  me  that  had  done  ever 
•Bince  I  first  entered  the  room  where  the  corpse  lay.  Upon 
going  to  the  grave  this  still  continued.  Under  this  solemn, 
quiet  calm,  the  fear  of  man  appeared  so  much  removed 
that  I  believe  my  sole  desire  was  that  the  will  of  God 
might  be  done  in  me.  Though  it  was  unpleasant  to  me 
what  man  might  say,  yet  I  most  feared  it  was  a  tempta- 
tion, owing  to  my  state  of  sorrow  ;  but  that  I  fully  believe 
was  not  the  case,  as  something  of  the  kind  had  been  on  my 
mind  so  long ;  but  it  had  appeared  more  ripe  the  last  few 
weeks,  and  even  months  ;  I  had  so  often  had  to  'rejoice  in 
the  Lord,  and  glory  in  the  God  of  my  salvation,'  that  it 
had  made  me  desire  that  others  might  partake,  and  know 
;how  good  He  had  been  to  my  soul,  and  be  encouraged  to 
walk  in  those  paths  -which  I  had  found  to  be  paths  of 
pleasantness  and  peace.  However,  after  a  solemn  waiting, 
my  dear  uncle  Joseph  spoke,  greatly  to  my  encdui-agement 
and  comfort,  aijd  the  removal  of  some  of  my  fears.  I  re- 
mained till  dearest  John  began  to  move  to  go  away: 
when  it  appeared  as  if  it  could  not  be  omitted,  and  I  fell 
on  my  knees  and  began,  not  knowing  how  I  should  go  on, 
with  these  words,  'Great  and  marvelous  are  Thy  works, 
Lord  God  Almighty!  just  and  true  are  Thy  ways,  Thou  King 
.of  Saints !  Be  pleased  to  receive  our  thanksgiving.'  And 
there  I  seemed  stopped,  though  I  thought  that  I  should 
have  had  to  express  that  I  gave  thanks  on  my  beloved 
father's  account.    But  not  feeling  the  power  continue  I 


IIASBIAOE  AMD  THE  MINISTRY. 


79 


arose  directly.  A  quiet,  calm  and  invigorated  state,  mental 
and  bodily,  were  my  portion  afterwards,  and  altogether  a 
sweet  day,  but  a  very  painful  night,  discouraged  on  every 
side — I  could  believe  bj  him  who  tries  to  deceive.  The  dis- 
couragement appealed  to  arise  principally  from  what  others 
would  think ;  and  nature  flinched  and  sank ;  but  I  was  en- 
abled this  morning  to  commit  myself  in  prayer." 

It  should  perhaps  here  be  mentioned  that  the  Friends  do 
not  consider  it  unsuitable  for  even  nearest  relatives  of  the 
deceased  to  express  their  minds,  under  a  proper  impulse,  at 
funerals.  Rarely,  perhaps,  are  ministers  first  called  forth  on 
such  occasions ;  and  yet  the  deep  and  lively  emotions  might 
aid  in  weakening  the  bond  of  timidity  by  which  neaiiy  all 
are  embarrassed  on  a  first  exposure.  Probably  few  have  a 
greater  natural  dread  of  such  a  trial  than  Elizabeth  Fry  who 
possessed  a  peculiarly  sensitive  organization ;  and  yet  when 
the  proper  time  came  the  promised  grace  was  fovind  suf- 
ficient for  her.  The  river  was  parted  and  she  went  throygb 
on  dry  ground. 

Flasket,  Eleventh  Month,  IQth. — ^We  arrived  here  on 
Third-day  evening.  Though  plunged  into  feeling  before  1 
arrived,  I  felt  flat  on  meeting  my  tenderly  beloved  Httla 
flock.  I  was  enabled,  coming  along  to  crave  help,  in  the 
first  place  to  be  made  willing  either  to  do,  or  to  suffer  what- 
ever was  the  Divine  will  concerning  me.  I  also  desiied  that 
I  might  not  be  so  occupied  with  my  present  state  of  mind, 
as  to  its  religious  duties,  as  in  any  degree  to  omit  close  at- 
tention to  all  daily  du^^^^es  n.y  beloved  husband,  children, 
servants,  poor,  &c. ;  but  if  1  should  be  permitted  to  enter 
the  humiliating  path  that  has  appeared  to  be  opening  before 
me,  to  look  weilat  home  andnou  discredit  the  cause  I  desii'O 
to  advocate.    Last  Fixst-daj  luoining  I  had  a  deeply  tryiog 


80 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


Meeting,  on  account  of  the  words,  '  Be  of  good  courage  and 
He  will  strengthen  your  hearts,  all  ye  that  hope  in  the 
Lord,'  which  had  impressed  me  toward  Norwich  Meeting 
before  I  went  into  it ;  and  after  I  had  sat  there  a  little  time 
they  came  with  double  force,  and  continued  resting  on  my 
mind,  until  my  fright  was  extreme,  and  it  appeared  almost 
as  if  I  must,  if  I  did  my  duty,  utter  them.  I  hope  I  did 
not  wholly  revolt,  but  I  did  cry  in  my  heart  for  that  time  to 
be  excused,  that  like  Samuel,  I  might  apply  to  some  Eli,  to 
know  what  the  voice  was  that  I  heard.  My  beloved  Uncle 
Joseph  I  thought  was  the  person.  On  this  sort  of  excuse, 
or  covenant,  as  I  may  call  it,  a  calmness  was  granted  the  rest 
of  the  meeting ;  but  not  the  reward  of  peace.  As  soon  as 
the  Meeting  was  over  I  went  to  my  dear  Uncle  and  begged 
him  to  come  to  Earlham  to  see  me.  The  conflict  I  had 
passed  through  was  so  great  as  to  shake  my  body,  as  well 
as  mind,  and  I  had  reason  to  fear  and  to  believe  I  should 
have  been  happier  and  much  more  relieved  in  mind,  if  I  had 
given  up  to  this  little  service.  I  have  felt  since  like  one  in 
debt  to  that  Meeting.  My  dear  Uncle  came,  and  only  con- 
firmed me,  by  his  kind  advice,  to  walk  by  faith,  and  not  by 
sight.  He  strongly  advised  a  simple  following  of  what 
arose,  and  expressed  his  experience  of  the  benefit  of  giving 
up  to  it,  and  the  confusioa  of  not  doing  so.  How  have  1 
desired,  since,  not  to  stand  in  the  fear  of  man ;  but  I  believe 
it  is  the  soul's  enemy  seeking  whom  he  may  devour ;  for  ter- 
rible as  it  was,  as  then  presented  to  me  and  as  it  often  had 
been  before,  yet  when  some  ability  was  granted  to  get 
through,  that  same  enemy  would  have  had  me  glory  on  that 
account.  May  I  not  give  way  either  to  one  feeling  or  the 
other,  but  strive  to  look  to  the  preserving  power  of  God. 

"  Twelfth  Month,  Uh. — When  I  have  given  up,  in  the 
morning  only  to  make  an  indifferent  remark  to  the  servants 
on  our  reading,  sweet  peace  has  been  my  portion :  but  when 
it  has  been  presented  to  me  and  I  have  not  followed,  far  dif- 
ferent has  been  the  case.    In  Meeting  it  is  such  an  awful 


MABRIAGE  AND  THE  MIiaSTRY. 


61 


matter,  for  the  sate  of  others  as  -well  as  myself.    If  it 
Thy  work  in  me,  be  p'eased,  O  Lord,  to  grant  faith  andl 
power  sufficient  for  the  needful  time.    I  long-  to  serve  The9 
and  to  do  Thy  commandments,  and  I  believe  if  I  be  faithful 
in  the  Uttle  Thou  wilt  be  pleased  to  make  me  ruler  over  more» 

"■dth. — Soon  after  sitting  down  in  Meeting  on  Fourths 
day,  (the  Fnends  hold  a  meeting-  in  the  middle  of  the  week} 
I  was  enabled  to  feel  encouraged  by  these  words,  'Though 
the  enemy  come  in  like  a  flood,  the  Spuit  of  the  Lovd  will 
lift  up  a  standard  against  him.'  This  appeared  my  expftri" 
ence,  lor  soon  the  storm  was  quieted  and  a  degree  even  of 
ease  was  my  portion.  About  eleven  o'clock  these  same 
words  that  had  done  so  in  Norwich  meeting  came  feelingly 
over  me — 'Be  of  good  courage  and  I  will  strengthen  youl 
hearts,  all  ye  that  hope  in  the  Lord.'  And  that  which  had 
hitheito  appeared  impossible  to  human  nature  seemed  not 
only  possible,  but  I  believe  I  was  wilhng  simply  desiring  that 
in  the  new  and  awful  undertaking  I  might  not  lose  my  faith 
and  that  the  Divine  will  might  be  done  in  me.  Undei-  thia 
sense,  and  fcpling  as  if  I  could  nob  omit,  I  uttered  them. 
Though  clearness  still  continued,  nature,  in  a  great  measure, 
seemed  to  sink  under  the  effort  afterwards,  and  ]ow  feelinga 
and  imaginations  to  have  much  dominion,  which,  in  mercy, 
were  soon  lelicvcd,  and  1  bave  gone  on  sweetly  and  easily 
since,  even  rejoicing. 

"22n(Z. — Again,  on  Fourth-day,  I  have  dared  to  open  my 
mouth  in  public :  I  am  ready  to  say  What  has  come  to  meV 
— even  in  supplication,  that  the  work  might  be  carried  on 
in  myself  and  others,  and  that  we  might  be  preserved  from 
evil.  My  weiglit  of  deep  feeling  on  the  subject  I  believe 
exceeded  any  other  time.  I  was,  I  may  say,  brought  into  a 
wrestling  state,  that  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  me  might, 
if  right,  be  carried  on,  if  not,  stopped  short.  I  feel,  of  my- 
self, no  power  for  such  a  work  ;  I  may  say,  wholly  unable; 
yet  when  the  feeling  and  power  continue,  so  that  I  dare  not 
omit  it,  then  what  can  I  do  t 


82  ELIZABETH  FBT. 

"  23rd. — Giving  up  to  make  a  little  remark  after  reading 
to  the  servants,  has  brought  sweet  peace :  indeed,  so  far,  it 
has  appeared  to  me  that  prompt  obedience  has  brought  me 
the  most  peace.  The  prospect  of  the  meetings  next  vyeek, 
more  particularly  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  already  makes  me 
tremble.  I  can  hardly  say  why,  but  it  is  very  awful  to  be 
thus  publicly  exposed,  in  a  work  that  I  feel  so  little  fitted 
for  ;  yet  I  believe  it  is  not  my  own  doing,  nor  at  my  own 
command. 

"  Plashet,  First  Month,  \st,  1810. — It  is  rather  awful  to 
me  entering  a  new  year,  more  particularly  when  I  look  at 
the  alterations  the  last  has  made — most  striking  the  last 
three  months,  or  a  little  more.  First  a  child  born ;  second 
the  loss  of  nurse ;  third  my  beloved  father's  death  ;  fourth 
my  being  opened  in  meetings.  My  heart  says,  What  can  I 
render  for  having  been  so  remarkably  and  mercifully  carried 
through  these  various  dispensations  of  Providence?  I 
think  I  never  knew  the  Divine  Arm  so  eminently  extended 
for  my  comfort,  help  and  deliverance ;  and  though  of  late 
I  may  have  had  to  pass  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow 
of  death,  yet  it  has  not  lasted  long  at  a  time,  and  Oh,  the 
incomings  of  love,  joy  and  peace  that  have,  at  other  periods, 
arisen  for  my  confirmation  and  consideration!  But  the 
manna  of  yesterday  I  find  will  not  do  for  to-day. 

"  11th. — It  has  been  strongly  impressed  upon  me  how 
very  little  it  matters,  when  we  look  at  the  short  time  we 
remain  here,  what  we  appear  to  others;  and  how  far  too 
much  we  look  at  the  things  of  this  life. 

"  What  does  it  signify  what  we  are  thought  of  here,  so 
long  as  we  are  not  found  wanting  towards  our  Heavenly 
Father?  Why  should  we  so  much  try  to  keep  back  some- 
thing, and  not  be  willing  to  offer  ourselves  up  to  Him, 
body,  soul  and  spirit,  to  do  with  us  what  may  seem  best 
unto  Him,  and  to  make  us  what  He  would  have  us  to  be? 
O  Lord!  enable  me  to  be  more  and  more  singly,  simply 
and  purely  obedient  to  thy  service  I 


UABBIAOE  AND  THE  MUnSTBT. 


83 


"  19th. — ^Yesterday  was  an  awful,  and  to  me  instructive 
clay  at  Plaistow  Meeting.  I  had  not  sat  very  long  before 
I  was  brought  into  much  feeling  desire  that  the  darkness 
in  some  minds  might  be  enlightened.  However  no  clear- 
ness of  expression  came  with  it ;  but  under  a  very  solemn 
covering  of  the  spirit  of  supplication,  a  few  words  oflfering, 
I,  after  a  time,  gave  way  to  utter  them.  But  that  which 
appeared  greatly  in  the  cross  to  me  was  having  some 
words  presented  to  speak  in  testimony  afterwards,  which  I 
did,  I  believe,  purely  because  I  desired  to  serve  my  Master, 
and  not  to  look  too  much  to  the  opinion  of  my  fellow-ser- 
vants ;  and  there  was  to  me  a  remarkable  solemnity,  and 
something  like  an  owning,  or  accepting  of  this  poor  httle 
offering.  I  have  desired,  and  have  been  in  a  Uttle  degi-ee 
enabled  to  feel  on  that  sure  foundation,  that  although  the 
winds  may  blow,  and  the  rain  may  descend,  yet  whilst  I 
keep  on  this  Kock  they  will  not  be  able  utterly  to  cast  me 
down.  What  a  mercy  amidst  the  storm  to  feel,  ever  so 
slightly,  something  of  a  sure  foundation!  Thus  much  I 
know,  that,  even  if  I  be  mistaken  in  this  awful  undertaking, 
my  desire  is  to  serve  Him  in  it  whom  my  soul,  I  may  truly 
eay,  loves  and  delights  to  please.  O  Lord !  I  pray  Thee 
preserve  Thy  poor  handmaid  in  the  hour  of  temptation,  and 
enable  me  to  follow  Thee  in  the  way  of  Thy  requirings  even 
if  they  lead  me  into  suffering  and  unto  death. 

"  31s;. — My  little  has  been  very  naughty ;  his  will  I 

find  is  very  strong ;  oh  that  my  hands  may  be  sti-engthened 
rightly  to  subdue  it.  O  Lord!  I  pray  for  help  in  these 
important  duties!  I  may  truly  say  I  had  rather  my  dear 
lambs  should  not  live  than  live  eventually  to  dishonor  Thy 
great  cause ;  rather  may  they  be  taken  in  innocency :  but 
if  Thou  seest  meet,  O  Lord !  preserve  them  from  great 
evUs,  and  be  pleased  in  Thy  abundant  mercy  to  be  with 
them,  as  Thou  hast  been,  1  believe,  with  their  poor  un- 
worthy parents;  visit  them  and  revisit  them,  until  Thou 
hast  made  them  what  Thou  wouldst  have  them  to  be.  Oh 


84 


ELIZABETH  FKY. 


that  I  could  like  HanDaL,  bring  them  to  Thee,  to  be  made 
use  of  as  instruments  in  thy  Holy  Temple  !  I  ask  nothing 
for  them  in  comparison  of  Thy  love ;  and  above  all  bless- 
ings, that  they  may  be  vessels  in  Thy  house.  This  bless- 
ing I  crave  for  them,  that  they  may  be  employed  in  Thy 
service,  for  indeed  I  can  bow  and  say,  What  honor,  what 
joy  £o  great  as,  in  ever  so  small  a  measure,  to  serve  Thee, 
O  Lord  ! 

"Mildred's  Court,  Sixth  Month,  Ist. — Yesterday  I  at- 
tended the  funeral  of  our  be'.oved  Anna  Eeyno'.ds,  whose 
death  has  been  deeply  felt  by  me.  We  had,  I  think  I  may 
truly  say,  a  glorious  time ;  for  the  power  of  the  Most  High 
appeared  to  overshadow  us.  A  belief  of  her  being  in  safety 
has  bowed  my  soul  prostrate,  in  humble  thankfulness,  and 
renewedly  led  me  to  desire  to  prove  my  gratitude  for  such 
unspeakable  mercy  as  has  been  shown  my  near  and  beloved 
relations  by  my  love  and  entire  dedication.  I  uttered  a  few 
words  in  supplication,  at  the  ground;  my  uncle  Joseph,  my 
cousin  Pricilla,  and  many  others,  beautifully  ministered. 
After  Meeting,  I  might  truly  say,  my  cup  ran  over,  such 
sweetness  covered  my  mind.  After  a  solemn  time  in  the 
fami  y,  with  dear  cousin  Pricilla  and  Ann  Crowley,  I  ven- 
tured on  my  knees,  praying  that  His  Holy  Hand  would  not 
spaie,  nor  his  eye  pity,  until  He  made  us  what  He  would 
have  us  to  be :  only  I  craved  that  He  would  not  forsake  us, 
but  let  us  be  made  in  some  small  measure  sensible  that  Ho 
was  with  us,  and  thai  it  was  Eis  rod  and  His  staff  that  Ave 
depended  upon.  Tiirough  heights  and  thi-ough  depths, 
thi-oLigh  riches  and  throu^^h  poverty  may  it  alone  be  my  will 
to  do  the  will  of  the  Father!  " 

Tha  foregoing  selections,  covering  a  period  of  seven 
montiiE,  are  sufficient  to  show  the  workings  of  this  deeply 
eaineot  mind  and  heart  under  the  impulse  of  the  Spirit  to 
parciciyate  in  the  e:;ertises  of  the  Church.    Slow  as  it  may 


MAERIAGE  AND  THE  MINISTSY. 


8J 


Beem  the  progress  of  Elizabeth  Fry  was  more  rapid  than  ia 
usual  with  this  class  of  ministers,  for  she  was  endow  ed  by 
nature  with  fertile  conception  and  ready  utterance,  and,  her 
heart  being  fully  enlisted,  so  soon  as  the  embarrassment  of 
her  new  position  wore  off,  she  became  a  very  ready  speaker*. 
Her  natm-e  being  emotional  and  full  of  benevolent  impulses, 
her  words  appealed  to  the  better  feelings  of  those  she  ad- 
dressed, while  her  prayers,  being  the  sincere  utterance  of 
her  heart,  rather  than  her  intellect,  carried  the  hearts  of 
others  to  the  Throne  of  grace.  In  little  more  than  a  year 
from  its  commencement,  her  ministry  was  formally  "ac- 
knowledged "  by  the  Society  as  being  acceptable.  This  sim- 
ple mode  of  ordination — or  laying  on  of  hands  in  a  figui'a- 
tive  sense — entitles  those  receiving  it  to  pass  freely  through 
the  different  branches  of  the  Society  and  to  appoint  special 
meetings  if  they  feel  it  right  to  do  so ;  after  having  obtained 
the  consent  of  their  own  Monthly  or  Quarterly  Meetinga 
thus  to  labor  in  the  work  of  the  Gospel  abroad. 

Referring  to  this  official  acknowledgment  Elizabeth  Fry 
says : 

"  This  mark  of  their  unity  is  sweet,  and  I  think  strength- 
ening,  and  I  believe  it  will  have  advantages  as  well  as  trials 
attending  it.  I  feel  and  find  it  is  not  by  the  approbation, 
any  more  than  the  disapprobation,  of  man  that  we  stand  or 
fall ;  but  it  once  more  leads  me  only  to  desue  that  I  may 
simply  and  singly  follow  my  Master  in  the  way  of  His  re- 
quirements, whatsoever  they  may  be.  I  think  this  will  make 
a  way  for  me  in  some  things  which  have  long  been  on  my 

minrl." 

The  following  incidents  illustrating  her  care  for  the  needy 
in  her  own  neighborhood  are  related  by  her  daughters. 


86 


ELIZABETH  FBI. 


"In  establishing  herself  at  Plashet  Mrs.  Fry  had  formed 
various  plans  for  her  poorer  neighbors  which  she  gradually 
brought  into  action.  One  of  her  early  endeavors  was  to  estab- 
lish a  girls'  school  for  the  Parish  of  East  Ham,  of  which  Pla- 
shet is  a  hamlet.  Immediately  opposite  the  gate  of  Plashet 
House  there  stood  a  dilapidated  dwelling,  picturesque  from 
its  gable  end  and  large  projecting  porch.  It  was  inhabited 
by  an  aged  man  and  his  still  more  aged  sister.  They  had 
seen  better  days,  and  eked  out  a  narrow  income  with  the 
help  of  a  brother's  labors  in  a  small  garden,  and  the  sale  of 
rabbits  of  which  they  kept  a  vast  quantity.  Like  persons 
fallen  in  life  they  were  reserved  ;  the  sister  almost  inacces- 
sible :  but  by  degrees  Mrs.  Fry  won  her  way  to  the  old 
lady's  heart.  She  might  be  seen  seated  in  an  upper  chamber 
on  one  side  of  a  fire-place  lined  with  blue  Dutch  tiles  oppo- 
site the  invalid  who,  propped  by  cushions,  leaned  back  in  aa 
easy  chair,  in  a  short  white  dressing-gown  over  a  quilted 
petticoat,  her  thin  wrinkled  hands  resting  on  her  knees,  and 
her  emaciated  refined  countenance  brightening  under  the 
gentle  cheering  influence  of  her  guest,  as  she  endeavored  to 
raise  her  hopes  and  stimulate  her  desires  after  that  country 
where  it  shall  no  more  be  said  'I  am  sick.'  Annexed  to  this 
old  building  was  a  spacious  and  comparatively  modern  room 
which  appeared  suitable  for  a  school-room,  and  Mrs.  Fry's 
persuasions  succeeded  in  obtaining  the  consent  of  the  old 
people  to  use  it  as  such. 

*'  A  young  woman  named  Harriet  Howell,  who  was  much 
occupied  at  that  time  in  organi^ifi^,  schools  on  the  Lancas- 
teriau  system,  came  to  Plashet.  The  excellelit  clergyman 
of  East  Ham,  Mr.  Aulezark,  with  Kis  lady  united  with  her 
in  the  object.  A  school  of  about  seventy  girls  was  estab- 
lished, and  although  afterwards  removed  to  a  more  central 
situation,  continues  to  the  present  day. 

"The  bodily  wants  of  the  poprj  especially  in  cases  of  sick- 
ness or  accident,  claimed  hei'  careful  attention.  There  was 
a  depot  of  calico  and  flannels  always  ready^  besided  other 


MARRIAGE  AND  THE  MINISTRY. 


87 


garments,  and  a  roomy  closet  well  supplied  with  di'Ugs. 
tn  very  hard  winters  she  had  soup  boiled  in  an  out-house  in 
euch  quantities  as  to  supply  hundi-eds  of  poor  people  with  a 
nourishing  meal.  Nor  was  her  interest  confined  to  the  En- 
glish poor  in  East  Ham.  About  half  a  mUe  from  Plashet, 
on  the  high  road  between  Stratford  and  Iliord,  the  passer- 
by will  find  two  long  rows  of  houses  with  one  larger  one  in 
the  center,  if  possible  more  dingy  than  the  rest.  At  that 
time  they  were  squalid  and  dirty ;  the  windows  generally 
stuffed  with  old  rags,  or  pasted  over  with  brown  paper,  and 
the  few  remaining  panes  of  glass  refusing  to  perform  their 
intended  office,  from  the  accumulated  dust  of  years ;  puddles 
of  thick  black  water  before  the  doors  ;  childi'en  without 
shoes  or  stockings;  mothers  whose  matted  locks  escaped 
from  the  remnants  of  caps  which  looked  as  though  they 
never  could  have  been  white ;  pigs  on  terms  of  evident  fa- 
miliarity with  the  family ;  poultry  sharing  the  children's 
potatoes — all  bespoke  an  Irish  colony. 

"  It  was  a  pleasant  thing  to  observe  the  influenoe  obtained 
by  Mrs.  Fry  over  these  wild  but  warm-hearted  people.  She 
had  in  her  nature  a  touch  of  poetry,  and  a  quick  sense  of  the 
di'oll  ;  the  Irish  character  furnished  matter  for  both.  Their 
powers  of  deep  love  and  bitter  grief  excited  her  sympathy ; 
almost  agrinst  her  j  udgment  she  would  grant  the  linen  shkfc 
and  the  boughs  of  evergreen  to  aiiay  the  departed  and  or- 
nament tho  bed  of  death. 

"One  clear  frosty  morning  Mrs.  Fry  called  her  elder  chil- 
dren to  accompany  her  on  a  visit  to  one  of  these  cottages. 
A  poor  woman,  the  mother  of  a  young  family  had  died 
there ;  she  had  been  well  conducted  as  a  wife  and  mother, 
and  had  long  shown  a  desire  for  religious  instruction  ;  the 
priest,  a  kind-hearted,  pains-taking  man,  liberal  in  his  views 
and  anxious  for  the  good  of  his  flock,  thought  well  of  the 
poor  woman,  had  frequently  visited  her  in  her  illness,  and 
was  in  that  as  in  many  other  cases,  very  grateful  to  Mr& 


88 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


Pry  for  the  relief  and  nourisliment  she  had  bestowed,  which 
it  was  not  in  his  power  to  give. 

"  On  the  bed  of  death  lay  extended  the  young  mother,  het 
features,  which  were  almost  beautiful,  stiffened  into  the  sem- 
blance of  marble.  Her  little  children  were  on  the  floor,  hei 
husband  in  the  corner  leaning  on  a  round  table,  with  hia 
face  buried  in  his  hands.  A  paper  cross  lay  on  the  breast 
of  the  corpse ;  the  sun  shone  into  the  room  and  mocked  the 
dreary  scene.  The  apartment  was  close  from  the  fumes  of 
tobacco  and  the  many  guests  of  the  wake  which  had  been 
held  during  the  night,  contrasting  strangely  with  the  fresh 
air  which  blew  in  through  the  half-opened  doorway.  Mrs. 
Pry  spoke  soothingly  to  the  husband ;  she  reminded  him  of 
his  wife's  desires  for  his  good  and  for  that  of  his  children ; 
she  slightly  alluded  to  theuselesfness  of  the  cross  as  a  sym- 
bol, but  urged  the  attention  of  those  present  to  the  great 
doctrine  of  which  it  was  intended  to  remind  them.  Again 
she  offered  solace  to  the  mourner,  promised  assistance  for 
his  little  cnes,  and  left  the  room. 

"Some  of  the  scenes  in  Irish  Row  Were  very  different, 
*  Madam  Fry,'  as  she  was  called  by  them,  being  so  popular 
as  to  cause  some  inconveniences  and  many  absurdities. 
She  enjoyed  giving  pleasure;  it  was  an  impulse  as  well  as 
a  duty  with  her  to  do  good.  Gathering  her  garments 
round  her  she  would  thi-ead  her  way  through  children  and 
pigs,  up  broken  stair-cases  and  by  narrow  passages,  to  the 
apartments  she  sought;  there  she  would  listen  to  their 
tales  of  want  or  woe,  or  of  their  difficulties  with  their  chil- 
dren,  or  of  the  evil  conduct  of  their  husbands.  She  per- 
suaded many  6$  them  to  adopt  more  orderly  habits,  giving 
some  presents  of  clothing  as  encourtigament ;  she  induced 
some  to  send  their  children  to  school,  and  with  the  con- 
eerxt  of  the  priest,  circulated  the  Bible  amongst  them. 
On  one  occasion,  when  the  weather  was  extremely  cold  and 
great  distress  prevailed,  being  at  the  time  too  delicate 
barself  to  walk,  she  went  alone  in  tha  carriage  literally 


MAEKIAGE  AND  THE  MINISTRY. 


89 


piled  witli  flannel  petticoats  for  Irish  Row,  the  rest  of  the 
party  walking  to  meet  her,  to  assist  in  the  delightful  task 
of  distribution.  She  made  relieving  the  poor  a  pleasure 
to  her  children  by  the  cheerful  spirit  in  which  she  did  it; 
she  employed  them  as  almoners  when  very  young,  but  ex- 
pected a  minute  account  of  their  giving  and  their  reasons 
for  it.  After  the  establishment  of  the  Tract  Society  she 
always  kept  a  large  supply  of  such  as  she  approved  for  dis- 
tribution. It  was  her  desire  never  to  relieve  the  bodily 
wants  of  any  one  without  endeavoring  in  some  way,  mora 
or  less  directly,  to  benefit  their  souls.  She  was  a  warm 
advocate  for  vaccination,  and  very  successful  in  perform- 
ing the  operation ;  she  had  acquired  this  art  from  Dr.  Wil- 
lan,^one  of  its  earliest  advocates  and  most  skilful  practition- 
ers. At  intervals  she  made  a  sort  of  investigation  oi  the 
state  of  the  parish,  with  a  view  to  vaccinating  the  children. 
The  result  was  that  small-pox  was  scarcely  known  in  the 
villages  over  which  her  influence  extended. 

"  In  a  green  lane  near  Plashet,  it  has  been  the  annual 
custom  of  the  gipsies  to  pitch  their  tents  for  a  few  days  in 
their  way  to  Fairlop  fair.  The  sickness  of  a  gipsy  child 
inducing  the  mother  to  apply  for  relief,  led  Mi's.  Fry  to 
visit  their  camp;  from  that  time,  from  year  to  year,  she 
cared  for  them  when  they  came  into  her  neighborhood. 
Clothing  for  the  children  and  a  little  medical  advice  she 
invariably  bestowed ;  but  she  did  far  more  than  that — she 
sought  to  influence  their  minds  aright ;  she  pleaded  with 
them  on  the  bitter  fruits  of  sin,  and  furnished  them  with 
Bibles  and  books  the  most  likely  to  ai'ouse  their  attention. 
But  though  thus  abounding  in  labors  for  the  good  of  all 
around  her,  she  was  liable  to  deep  inward  discoui'agements, 
undoubtedly  increased  by  her  sensitive  nature  and  dehcata 
fi-ame,  but  ai'ising  chiefly  from  her  intense  desii-e  in  nothing 
to  offend  Him  whom  her  soul  loved,  and  whom  she  so  en- 
tirely desked  to  serve. 

"In  September,  Mrs.  Fry  visited  Earlham.    On  the  lOth 


90 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


of  that  month,  1811,  was  held  the  first  meeting  of  the  Nor- 
wich Bible  Society:  it  was  very  largely  and  generally  at- 
tended. Mrs.  Fry,  who  was  warmly  interested  in  the  Bible 
society  fi*om  its  commencement  to  the  close  cf  her  life,  wa» 
present, with  her  brother  Joseph  John  Gurney,  and  other 
members  of  the  family.  Mr.  Gurney,  then  in  the  prime  of 
early  manhood,  on  this  occasion  first  took  his  stand  in  pub- 
lic life  as  an  advocate  for  the  general  cii'culation  of  that 
sacred  volume  which  he  had  chosen  as  the  guide  of  his 
youth  and  which  has  proved  the  stay  of  his  advancing 
years." 

.  The  following  extracts  from  the  Journal  are  beautifully 
illustrative : 

Earlham,  Ninth  Month,  V^th. — I  think  a  more  deeply 
exercised  state — which  has  at  times  bordered  on  distress  of 
soul — hardly  ever  remember  than  I  feel  this  morning 
on  going  to  meeting ;  in  the  first  place  with  the  Edwardses 
and  my  own  family  in  their  various  states ;  in  the  next 
place,  my  prospect  of  going  into  the  men's  Monthly  Meet- 
ing ;  and  in  the  last,  an  idea  having  passed  my  mind, 
whether  I  may  not  have,  amongst  their  very  large  com- 
panies who  are  very  likely  to  be  here,  consisting  of 
many  clergyman  and  others,  to  say  something,  either 
before  meals,  or  at  some  other  tin^.  The  words  that 
(I  believe)  have  arisen  for  my  encouragement  are  these: 
'  The  Lord  is  my  shepherd,  I  shall  not  want  ?  Yes  I 
will  try  not  fear,  for  if  God  be  with  me  who  can  be  against 
me?' 

"12i/i. — What  can  I  render  for  all  His  benefits?  In  the 
first  place,  I  went  to  the  Meeting  for  worship  with  the  Ed- 
'wardses:  I  had  not  long  been  there  before  I  felt  somethina 
of  a  power  accompanying  me,  and  words  arose,  but  my  ex- 
ercise of  mind  was  so  great  that  it  seemed  like  being  '  bap- 


UABBIAOE  AlO)  TEB  IHNISTBT. 


91 


tized  for  the  dead ;'  though  not  that  I  know  of  from  any 
pai'ticular  fear  of  man.  I  was  helped  (I  beUeve  I  may  say) 
as  to  power,  tongue  and  utterance.  That  Meeting  might 
be  said  to  end  well. 

Yesterday  was  a  day  indeed ;  one  that  may  be  called  a 
mark  of  the  times.  We  first  attended  a  General  Meeting 
of  the  Bible  Society  where  it  was  sweet  to  observe  so  many 
of  various  sentiments  all  uniting  in  the  one  great  object— - 
from  the  good  Bishop  of  Norwich  (Bathurst),  for  so  I  be* 
lieve  he  may  be  called,  to  the  dissenting  minister  and  young 
Quaker  (my  brother  Joseph).  We  afterwards,  about  thii-ty- 
four  of  us,  dined  here  ;  I  think  there  were  six  clei'gyman  of 
the  Estabhshment,  thi-ee  dissenting  ministers,  and  Kichard 
i*hilips,  beside  numbers  of  others.  A  very  little  before  the 
icloth  was  removed  such  a  power  came  over  me  of  love,  I 
believe  I  may  say  life,  that  I  thought  I  must  ask  for  silence' 
bfter  Edward  Edwards  had  said  gi-ace,  and  then  supphcate 
the  Father  of  mercies  for  Eis  blessing,  both  of  the  fatness- 
bf  the  earth  and  the  dew  of  Heaven,  upon  those  who  thus 
desired  to  promote  His  cause  by  spreading  the  knowledge 
of  the  Holy  Scriptures ;  and  that  He  would  bless  their  en- 
deavors, that  the  knowledge  of  God  and  His  glory  might 
cover  the  earth  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea ;  and  also  foi? 
the  preservation  of  all  present,  that  through  the  assistance 
bf  His  grace  we  might  so  follow  Him  and  our  blessed  Lord 
tn  time  that  we  might  eventually  enter  into  a  glorious  eter- 
nity where  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling  and  the  weary 
are  at  rest.  The  power  and  solemnity  were  very  great. 
Eichard  Philips  asked  for  silence  ;  I  soon  knelt  down :  it 
Was  like  having  our  High  Priest  amongst  us.  Independ* 
ently  of  this  power  His  poor  instruments  are  nothing  ;  and 
with  His  power  how  much  is  effected.  I  understood  many 
were  in  tears ;  I  believe  all  were  bowed  down  sphitually* 
Soon  after  I  took  my  seat ;  the  Baptist  minister  said,  'Thi^ 
is  an  act  of  worship  ; '  adding  that  it  reminded  him  of  thafr 
which  the  disciples  said.  '  Did  not  our  heart  burn  within  xi» 


92 


ELIZABETH  FBI. 


xrhile  He  talked  with  us  by  the  way?'  A  clergyman  sai3, 
•We  want  no  wine  for  there  is  that  amongst  us  which  does 
instead.'  A  Lutheran  minister  remarked  that  although  he 
could  not  always  understand  the  words,  being  a  foreigner,  he 
felt  the  spirit  of  prayer,  and  went  on  to  enlarge  in  a  striking 
•manner.  Another  clergyman  spoke  to  this  effect :  How  the 
Almighty  visited  us,  and  neither  sex  nor  anything  else 
stood  in  the  way  of  His  grace.  I  do  not  exactly  remember 
the  words  of  any  one,  but  it  was  a  most  striking  chcum- 
Btance  for  so  many,  of  such  different  opinions,  thus  all  to  be 
united  in  one  spirit ;  and  for  a  poor  woman  to  be  made  the 
means,  amongst  so  many  great,  wise,  and  I  believe  good 
men,  of  showing  forth  the  praise  of  the  great '  I  Am.' " 

One  of  the  secretai'ies  of  the  Bible  Society,  Mi\  Joseph 
Hughes,  thus  describes  this  occasion  : — 

"On  the  Monday  after  my  return,  I  proceeded  with  my 
•excellent  colleagues  for  Norwich  where  a  numerous  and  re- 
spectable meeting  was  held  on  Wednesday  in  a  very  spa- 
cious and  commodious  ball.  The  mayor  presided;  the 
Bishop  spoke  with  great  decision  and  equal  liberality ;  and 
the  result  of  the  whole  was  the  establishment  of  the  Nor- 
folk and  Norwich  Bible  Society.  About  seven  hundred 
pounds  was  subscribed,  and  one  happy,  amiable  sentiment 
appeared  to  pervade  the  company.  My  colleagues  and 
myself  adjourned  to  Earlham,  two  miles  from  Norwich 
where  we  had  passed  the  previous  day,  and  where  we  wit- 
nessed emanations  of  piety,  generosity  and  affection  in  a 
degree  that  does  not  often  meet  the  eye  of  mortals.  Our 
hosts  and  hostesses  were  the  Gurneys,  chiefly  Quakers, 
who,  together  with  their  guests  amounted  to  thirty-four. 
A  clergj'man,  at  the  instance  of  one  of  the  family,  and  I 
presume  with  the  most  cordial  concurrence  of  the  rest,  read 
a  portion  of  the  Scriptures  morning  and  evening,  and 
twice  we  had  prayers;  I  should  have  said  thrice,  for  aftei 


MARRIAGE  AND  THE  MINISTBT. 


dinner,  on  the  day  of  the  meeting,  the  pause  encouraged  by 
the  Society  of  Friends,  was  succeeded  by  a  devout  addi'esg 
to  the  Deitj'-,  by  a  female  minister,  Elizabeth  Fry,  whose 
manner  was  impressive,  and  whose  words  were  so  appro* 
priate  that  none  present  can  ever  forget  the  incident,  or 
ever  advert  to  it  without  emotions  alike  powerful  and  pleas- 
ing. The  first  emotion  was  surprise;  the  second  awe;  the 
thii-d  pious  fervor.  As  soon  as  we  were  re-adjusted  at  the 
table,  I  thought  it  might  be  serviceable  to  offer  a  remark 
that  proved  the  coincidence  of  my  heart  with  the  devotional 
exercise  in  which  we  had  been  engaged ;  this  had  the  de- 
BU'ed  effect.  Mr.  Owen  and  others  suggested  accordant 
sentiments,  and  we  seemed  generally  to  feel  like  the  disci- 
'pies  whose  hearts  burned  within  them  as  they  walked  to 
Emmaus." 

Elizabeth  Fry's  engagements  in  the  Gospel  ministry  thus 
received  the  approbation,  not  only  of  her  own  Society,  but 
also  of  ministers  belonging  to  several  other  denominations, 
vrhose  testimony  is  the  more  valuable  because  it  was  both 
cordial  and  spontaneous. 


CHAPTEII  THIKD. 


MOTHER  AND  MINISTEB. 

Ministers  in  tlie  Society  of  Friends,  both  men  and  W02ien, 
are  usually  called  to  a  very  active  life.  In  addition  to  their 
ordinary  avocations,  which  they  ai'e  expected  to  leave  only 
when  summoned  temporaiily  to  higher  duties,  and  to  the 
regular  semi-weekly,  monthly,  quarterly,  and  yeai'ly  ga,ther- 
ings,  they  frequently  make  excursions  of  various  lengths  to 
neighboring  communities  of  their  own,  or  other  people,  fol- 
lowiDg  as  nearly  as  they  can  the  intimations  of  the  good 
Shepherd,  as  to  where  His  thii-sty  flocks  most  need  atten- 
tion. Elizabeth  Fry  soon  became  engaged  in  this  mission- 
ary labor,  for  which  she  was  admii'ably  adapted,  as  well  as 
in  services  within  and  about  her  own  home.  A  few  of  the 
most  impoftant  of  these  earlier  engagements  will  now  be 
noticed.  The  &ivt  is  dated  February,  1812,  about  four  and 
a  half  months  after  the  events  last  related. 

"  3i'il — 'The  prospect  I  have  had  for  some  months  of  go« 
tog  into  Norfolk  to  attend  the  Monthly  an^  Quarterly  Meet* 
iDga  19  noVJ'  brought  home  to  me,  as  I  must  apply  to  my 
next  Monthly  Meeting  for  permission.  It  is  no  doubt  a 
sacrifice  of  natui-ai  feeling  to  leave  the  comforts  of  home  and 
my  beloved  husband  and  childi-en ;  and  to  my  weak,  ner- 
vous habits,  the  going  about,  and  alone  (for  so  I  feel  it  in 


MOTHER  AND  MINISTER. 


9a 


one  sense,  without  my  husband )  is,  I  have  found  from  ex- 
perience, a  trial  greater  than  I  imagined ;  and  my  health 
suffers  much  I  think,  from  my  habits  being  necessarily  so 
different.  This  consideration  of  its  being  a  cross  to  my 
nature  I  desu-e  not  to  weigh  in  the  scale ;  though  no  doubt, 
for  the  sake  of  others  as  well  as  myself,  my  health  being  so 
shaken  is  a  serious  thing.  What  I  desire  to  consider  most 
deeply  is  this : — Have  I  authority  for  leaving  my  home  and 
evident  duties?  What  leads  me  to  believe  I  have?  fori 
need  not  doubt  that  when  away,  and  at  times  gi-eatly  tried, 
this  query  is  likely  to  arise.  Theprospect  has  come  in  that 
quiet,  yet  I  think  powerful  way,  that  I  have  never  been  able 
to  believe  I  should  get  rid  of  it ;  indeed  hitherto  I  have 
hai'dly  felt  anything  but  a  calm  cheerfulness  about  it,  and 
very  little  anxiety.  It  seems  to  me  as  if  in  this  journey  I 
must  be  stripped  of  outwaid  dependences,  and  my  watch- 
word appears  to  be,  — 'My  soul,  wait  thou  only  upon  God; 
for  my  expectation  is  from  Him.' 

"  20th. — My  sister,  Elizabeth  Fry,  means  to  go  with  me 
into  Norfolk:  my  Uncle  Joseph  is  likely  to  go  another  way: 
it  appears  as  if  I  could  not  mind  much  who  is  to  go  with 
me.  But  I  feel  disposed  to  a  very  single  dependence,  and 
if  I  be  rightly  put  forth  to  this  service,  may  He  who  puts 
me  forth  be  with  me ;  if  I  have  to  minister  food  to  others 
may  it  be  that  which  is  convenient  for  them,  and  which  will 
tend  to  their  lasting  nourishment.  I  have  often  thought 
that  in  this  little  jirospect  I  must  go  like  David,  when  he 
went  to  slay  the  giant.  I  am  ashamed  of  the  comparison ; 
but  I  only  mean  it  in  this  respect,  I  go  not  trusting  in  any 
pov/er  or  strength  of  my  own ;  I  feel  I  dare  look  to  no  helper 
outwardly.  I  feel  young  and  a  stripling,  without  armor,  yet 
I  trust  the  Lord  will  be  with  me,  and  make  the  sling  and 
stone  effectual,  if  He  please  to  make  use  of  His  poor  child 
to  slay  the  giant  in  any  one. 

"Earlham,  Third  3Iont?i,  14«A. — Have  I  not  renewed 
reason  for  faith,  hope  and  confidence  in  the  principle  which 


96 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


I  desire  to  follow  ?  In  the  niglit  I  had  to  acknowledge  that 
the  work  must  be  Thine,  O  Lord  !  and  that  it  is  to  me  won- 
derful. My  fears  and  causes  of  discouragement  were  many, 
for  some  little  time  before  I  set  off  my  own  poor  health,  and 
m,y  little  ones ;  then  my  lowness  and  stupidity.  In  the  first 
place  my  health  and  the  dear  children's  improved  so  much, 
and  I  iawardly  so  brightened,  that  I  left  home  very  comforta- 
bly. As  I  went  on  my  way  such  abtmdant  hope  arose  that 
light,  rather  than  darkness  appeared  to  surround  me.  I 
have  now  attended  the  Monthly  Meetings  and  three  other 
Meetings.  I  have  also  had  frequent  opportunities  of  a  reli- 
gious nature  in  families ;  the  most  remarkable  wei'e  one  in  a 
clergyman's  family,  in  supplication  for  him  and  his  house, 
and  another  where  he  had  to  supplicate  for  my  help.  May 
I  ever  remember  how  utterly  unfit  I  am  in  myself  for  all 
these  works:  unto  me  alone  belongs  abasedness.  I  can  take 
nothing  to  myself.  As  Thou  hast  seen  meet,  O  Lord !  Thou 
who  art  strength  in  weakness,  thus  to  make  use  of  Thy  poor 
handmaid  as  an  instrument  in  Thy  service,  be  pleased  to 
keep  her  from  the  evil,  both  in  reahty  and  appearance,  that 
she  may  never,  in  any  way,  bring  reproach  upon  Thy  cause." 

After  her  return  she  thus  balances  the  account  :— 

«  May  I  now  be  enabled  to  attend  to  my  own  vineyards, 
and  after  having  been  made  instrumental  thus  to  wain  and 
encoiu'age  others  may  I  not  become  a  cast  away  myself.  I 
hardly  understand  what  Friends  mean  by  reward  for  such 
services,  for  I  do  not  feel  the  work  mine,  and  no  reward  is 
due.  As  for  reward,  is  it  not  enough  to  feel  a  Power  better 
than  ourselves  influencing  and  strengthening  us  to  do  the 
work  that  we  humbly  trust  is  His  own?  for  what  honor, 
favor,  or  blessing  so  great  as  being  engaged  in  the  service 
of  Him  whom  wo  love,  in  whatever  way  it  may  be,  whether 
performmg  one  duty  or  another,  and  having  a  little  evidence 
granted  us  that  we  are  doing  His  will,  or  endeavoring  to  do 


UOTHEB  AI^D  MIinSTEB. 


97 


it  ?  I  peculiarly  feel,  in  ministerial  duties,  that  I  have  no 
part,  because  the  whole  appears  a  gift, — the  willing  heart, 
the  ijawer,  and  everything  attending  it ;  the  poor  creature 
tas  only  to  remain  as  passive  as  possible,  willing  to  be  op- 
erated upon. 

"I'lashet,  Third  Month,  28iA. — I  will  first  mention  how 
it  was  with  me  in  the  Norwich  Quarterly  Meeting.  I  went, 
looking  to  Him  who  has  hitherto  helped  me ;  my  beloved 
uncle  Joseph  said  a  few  words,  as  a  seal  to  what  I  had  ex- 
pressed, and  it  was,  I  believe,  a  peculiarly  solemn  and 
favored  time :  much  blessed  in  a  few  words  of  supplication 
iat  the  Grove  before  dinner.  In  the  adjourned  meeting  I 
felt  it  safest  to  go  to  the  Men's  Meeting,*  where  I  had  to  bid 
them  farewell  ;in  the  Lord,  after  I  had  been  helped  with 
a  few  .words  of  tender  love  and  encouragement.  Sarah 
Bowley  said  a  little,  and  then  my  dear  sister  Elizabeth  Fry 
arose  and  said,  '  She  hoped  what  had  passed  that  day  would 
not  be  attended  to  as  a  tale  that  was  told,  but  as  everlasting 
truths  ; '  which  appeared  to  bring  great  solemnity  and  sweet- 
ness with  it.  In  the  Women's  meeting  we  also  had  a  very 
solemn  time  at  parting,  in  which  I  bade  them  farewell,  de- 
siring that  we  might  all  ascend,  step  by  step,  that  ladder 
which  reaches  from  earth  to  heaven.  Before  we  set  off  I 
had,  after  reading,  in  heart-felt  and  heart-tendering  suppli- 
cation^ to  pray  for  the  preservation  of  the  family,  and  our 
support  in  the  day  of  trial,  and  amidst  all  the  various  turn- 
ings and  overturnings  of  the  Holy  Hand  upon  us.  Here  I 
once  more  am,  surrounded  by  outward  blessings,  and  well 
Sn  health ;  yet  I  hardly  know  how  to  return  thanks,  or 
to  rejoice  in  Him  who  has  helped  me;  being  poor,  low, 
stripped,  the  tears  come  into  my  eyes.  Though  cast  down 
I  loTe  the"  Lord  above  all,  and  desire,  through  the  saving, 
redeeming  power  of  Him  who  came  to  save  that  which  was 
lost,  and  has,  I  beUeve  proved  a  Saviour  to  me,  in  part,  that 


•Men  and  women  hold  their  meetings  for  discipline  separately 


98 


ELIZABETH  FB7. 


I  may  draw  nearer  and  nearer  to  the  most  high  God,  and 

become  in  all  tliirgs  more  completely  His." 

"  Six  Month,  IGth. — It  now  appears  too  late  to  give  much 
account  of  the  Yearly  Meeting.  The  prospect  of  going  iuto 
the  Men's  meeting,  naturally  was  so  awful,  nay,  almost 
dreadful,  that  as  I  sat  at  breakfast,  fears  arose  lest  my  un- 
derstanding should  fail.  However,  though  in  great  meas- 
ure taken  from  me  on  first  sitting  down  in  meeting,  yet 
after  a  time  the  concern  arose  with  tranquillity,  and  with  a 
powerful,  though  small  voice — at  least  with  power  sufficient 
to  enable  me  to  cast  my  burden  upon  the  meeting.  This 
brought,  I  thought,  great  solemnity ;  I  appeared  to  have 
the  full  unity  of  Friends :  dear  Rebecca  Bevan  went  with 
me.  I  felt  myself  much  helped  when  there :  matter,  tongue 
and  utterance  were  all  given,  in  testimony  and  supphcation. 
I  think  the  calm  frame  I  enjoyed  upon  returning  to  the 
Women's  Meeting  must  almost  be  a  foretaste  of  that  rest 
which  the  soul  pants  after. 

"  /Sixth  Month. — My  press  of  engagements  has  been  very 
great.  ...  I  think  my  temper  requii-es  great  watchful- 
ness ;  for  the  exercises  of  my  mind,  my  very  numerous  in- 
terests, and  the  irritabihty  excited  by  my  bodily  infirmities, 
cause  me  to  be  in  so  tender  and  touchy  a  state  that  the '  grass- 
hopper becomes  a  bui-den.'  In  this  as  in  all  my  infirmities, 
I  have  but  one  hope ;  it  is  in  the  power  of  Him  who  has  in 
mercy  answered  my  prayers,  and  helped  me  in  many  of  my 
difficulties,  and  I  humbly  trust  yet  will  arise  for  my  deliv- 
erance. As  to  the  ministry,  I  have  been  raised  up  and  at 
times  cast  down,  but  my  heart  and  attention  have  been 
mostly  turned  to  rigidly  performing  my  practical  duties  in 
life,  which  is  my  object  by  night  and  by  day.  I  have  felt 
as  if  I  could  rest  in  nothing  short  of  serving  Him  whom 
my  soul  loves ;  but  I  deshe  to  Avatch,  and  am  fully  aware 
that  with  regard  to  myself  I  have  nothing  to  trust  to  but 
mercy;  but,  leaving  myself,  I  long,  whilst  permitted  to 
remain  in  mortality,  not  to  be  a  drone,  but  to  do  everything 


HOTHEB  AND  MINISTEB. 


99 


to  the  glory  of  God.  I  think  I  desire  to  do  all  things  weU 
more  for  the  cause's  sake,  than  for  the  sake  of  my  own 
soul ;  as  my  conviction  of  the  mercy  and  loving  kindness  oi 
Him  who  loveth  us  and  who  is  touched  with  a  feeling  di 
our  infirmities,  is  so  great  that  whilst  my  heart  is  seeking 
to  serve  Him,  (full  as  I  am  of  defects),  I  am  ready  to  triisf 
that  that  mercy  which  has  hitherto  compassed  me  about 
will  be  with  me  to  the  end  of  time,  and  continue  with  ma 
through  eternity.  The  fear  of  punishment  hardly  ever 
arises,  or  has  arisen  in  my  mind  ;  it  is  more  the  certain 
knowledge  that  I  have  of  the  blessedness  of  serving  our 
Master,  and  the  very  strong  excitement  of  love  and  grati^ 
tude,  and  desire  for  the  promotion  of  the  blessed  causd 
upon  earth.  Through  all  my  tried  states  I  have  one  un- 
speakable blessing  to  acknowledge,  and  that  is  an  increase 
of  faith." 

Elizabeth  Fry  was  peculiarily  fitted  to  minister  at  the  bed 
of  sickness,  and  where  sickness  had  done  its  work,  and  the 
hearts  of  bereaved  friends  needed  the  voice  of  sympathy 
and  wise  counsel.  She  was  often  engaged  in  this  most 
sacred  service,  frequently  among  her  own  very  large  circla 
of  friends  and  relatives,  and  also  among  the  poor.  The  fol- 
lowing extracts,  part  taken  from  the  Journal,  and  part  from 
the  biographical  notes,  illustrate  this  portion  of  her  work, 
and  show  how  careful  she  was  to  do  nothing  ceremoniously, 
or  when  it  was  uncalled  for  by  her  inward  Guide. 

Ninth  Month,  2nd. — This  morning  our  poor  servant 
who  has  for  some  weeks  kept  his  bed  very  seriously  ill,  died, 
t  feel  that  I  have  cause  for  humble  gratitude  in  having  been 
at  the  awful  time  strengthened  by  faith,  and  I  believe  I  may 
say,  having  experienced  the  Divine  presence  near.  I  have 
often  sat  and  watched  by  his  bed-side,  desiring  to  know 


100 


ELIZABETH  FKT. 


whether  I  had  anything  to  do,  or  say,  as  to  his  soul's  welfare. 
I  found  neither  feeling,  faith  nor  ability  to  say  or  do  much 
more  than  endeavor  to  turn  his  mind  to  his  Maker ;  but  I 
think  never  more  than  once,  in  anything  of  the  anointing 
power.  Yesterday  1  found  him  much  worse,  a  struggle  upon 
him  that  appeared  breaking  the  thread  of  life,  and  his  suf- 
ferings gi'eat,  mentally  and  bodily.  The  first  thing  I  found 
in  myself  was  that  a  willing  mind  was  granted  me,  and  in  sit- 
ting by  him  the  power  and  spirit  of  supplication  and  interces- 
sion for  him  arose,  to  which  I  gave  way.  It  immediately 
appeared  to  bring  a  solemn  tranquillity ;  his  pains  and  rest- 
lessness were  quieted ;  his  understanding  I  believe  was 
quite  clear  :  he  thanked  me  and  said, '  God  bless  you  ma'am,' 
as  if  he  felt  much  comfort  in  what  had  passed.  Faith,  love, 
and  calmness  were  the  covering  of  my  mind.  He  had  I  be- 
lieve only  one  or  two  more  slight  struggles  after  I  left  him. 
After  that  I  was  sent  for  and  found  that  the  conflict  ap- 
peared over,  and  he  breathed  his  last  in  about  a  quarter  of 
an  hour.  There  was  peculiar  sweetness,  and  great  silence 
and  solemnity  in  the  room.  I  had  to  acknowledge  that  I 
believed  the  mercy  of  our  Heavenly  Father  was  then  ex- 
tended towards  him,  and  to  express  "a  desire  that  it  might, 
in  the  same  awful  moment,  be  extended  toward  us,  feeling 
how  greatly  we  stood  in  need  of  mercy.  The  rest  of  the  day 
passed  off  as  well  as  I  could  expect.  I  feared  lest  the  ser- 
vants and  others  should  attribute  that  praise  to  me  with 
which  I  had  nothing  to  do,  for  I  could  not  have  prayed  or 
found  an  answer  to  prayer  without  an  anointing  from  the 
Most  High-  It  led  rne  to  feel  it  a  blessing  to  be  entrusted 
with  this  sacred  and  precious  gift;  for  though  ministera 
may  have  much  to  pass  through  and  many  crosses  to  take 
up  for  then*  own  good  and  that  of  others,  yet  it  is  a  marvel- 
ous gift  when  the  pui'e  life  stirs,  operates  and  brings  down 
etfongholds.  My  nerves  were  rather  shaken,  so  as  to  make 
me  naturally  fearful  at  titnes  the  rest  of  the  day.  I  have  a 
great  desu-e  that  this  event  may  be  blessed  to  the  househol<^ 


JUOTHEB  AND  MINISTER. 


101 


more  particularly  the  servants,  that  it  may  humble  and  bow 
their  spirits  ;  that  they  may  live  more  in  love,  and  gi'ow  in 
the  knowledge  of  God  and  of  oui-  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ." 

"The  funeral  of  the  servant  was  fixed  for  the  following 
Sunday ;  as  the  time  approached  Mrs.  Fry  felt  an  earnest 
desu'e  arise  in  her  heart  that  the  occasion  might  be  one  of 
benefit  to  others,  as  several  of  his  friends  were  to  be  pres- 
ent; some  from  the  immediate  neighborhood.  She  pro- 
posed that  in  the  evening  all  the  assembled  guests  should 
be  iavited  to  attend  the  family  reading,  with  her  own  house- 
hold ;  but  before  the  hovu'  arrived  for  the  performance  of  a 
duty  which  was  to  her  exceedingly  weighty  she  was  sum- 
moned to  visit  Eliza,  the  newly  married  wife  of  her  cousin, 
James  Sheppard,  who  was  rapidly  siixking  into  the  grave. 
The  afflicted  husband  and  sister  were  deeply  needing  the 
skillful  tenderness  with  which  she  could  meet  such  exigen- 
cies. At  Meeting  in  the  morning  her  heart  had  been 
strengthened  and  apparently  prepared  for  the  duties  of  the 
day.  By  the  bed  of  languishing  we  find  her  waiting  for  that 
unction  without  which  she  was  sensible  that  her  services 
could  avail  nothing ;  and  on  the  same  evening,  in  her  own 
dwelling,  when  suirounded  by  about  forty,  besides  her  own 
children,  she  speaks  in  exhortation  and  prayer.  Her  ad- 
dress was  closely  suited  to  the  state  of  some  persons  pres- 
ent, and  unfliachingly  did  she  impress  upon  them  that  '  the 
way  of  the  transgressor  is  hard.'  The  occasion  was  long  re- 
membered by  individuals  who  were  there,  and  who  attribu- 
ted their  permanent  improvement  to  the  solemn  truths  they 
then  heard,  and  for  the  first  time  effectively  received  into 
their  hearts.  Her  own  Journal  of  the  day,  written  the  fol- 
lowing morning,  portrays  the  workings  of  her  own  mind." 

■ "  J^lashet,  Ninth  Month,  Second-clay. — Yesterday  was 
rather  a  remarkable  day.  I  rose  very  low  and  fearful :  my 
spirit  appeared  overwhelmed  withia  me,  partly  I  think  from 
Bome  serious  outward  matters,  but  principally  from  such  an 


102 


ELIZABETH  FST. 


extreme  fear  of  my  approaching  confinement,  feeling  noth- 
ing in  myself  to  meet  it,  and  knowing  that  it  must  come 
unless  death  prevent.  I  went  to  Meeting,  but  was  almost 
too  low  to  know  whether  I  should  go  or  not ;  however  being 
helped  in  testimony  to  show  the  blessedness  of  those  who 
hope  in  the  Lord  and  not  m  themselves  appeared  to  do  me 
good,  as  if  I  had  to  minister  to  myself  as  well  as  others.  1 
had  a  trust  that  my  help  was  in  the  Lord,  and  that  there- 
fore I  should  experience  my  heart  to  be  strengthened.  A 
message  came  requesting  my  immediate  attendance  on  poor 
dear  Eliza  Sheppard,  who  appeared  near  her  end.  Of 
course  I  went.  These  visits  are  very  awful ;  to  sit  by  that 
which  we  believe  to  be  a  death-bed  ;  to  be  looked  to  by  the 
afflicted  and  others,  as  a  minister  from  whom  something  is 
expected,  and  the  fear,  at  such  a  time  of  the  activity  of  the 
creatui'e  arising  and  doing  that  which  it  has  no  business  to 
do.  After  sitting  sometime  quiet,  part  of  which  she  ap- 
peared to  sleep,  and  pai't  to  be  awake,  a  solemn  silence  cov- 
ered us ;  the  words  of  supplication  arose  in  due  time,  when 
I  believed  her  to  be  engaged  in  the  same  manner  by  putting 
her  hands  together ;  I  knelt  down  and  felt  greatly  helped, 
but  had  not  so  much  to  pray  for  her  alone  as  for  all  of  us 
there  present  with  her.  I  had  a  few  words  also  to  say  in  tak- 
ing leave.  The  visit  appeared  sweet  to  her  by  her  smUes, 
and  her  whispering  to  her  sister  expressing  this.  ...  I 
think  I  found  myself  strengthened  rather  than  weakened  by 
the  day's  work,  mentally  and  bodily,  though  my  own  great 
weakness  soon  returned  uj)on  me,  and  it  appeared  striking 
that  such  an  one  should  have  been  so  engaged ;  but  painful 
{IS  these  feelings  of  depression  are  to  bear,  I  know  '  it  is 
well,'  as  it  keeps  me  humble ;  at  least  I  hope  so, — lowly  and 
abased..  Oh,  saith  my  soul,  after  thus  ministering  to  others, 
may  I  not  become  a  cast-away  myself,  and  neither  in  trou- 
ble nor  rejoicing  bring  discredit  on  the  cause  that  I  love,  or 
on  His  name  whom  I  desire  to  serve." 


MOTHER  AND  MINISTER. 


103 


In  1814,  she  made  a  short  visit  to  her  native  county, 
which  is  thus  described : 

JSleventh  Month,  12th. — I  am  likely  to  set  off  early  to- 
morrow without  my  husband  to  go  into  Norfolk.  Tliia 
prospect  I  feel  pleasant  and  painful ;  pleasant,  the  idea  of 
being  at  Earlham  ;  painful,  leaving  home  and  more  particu- 
larly my  husband.  May  1  be  enabled  there  faithfully  to  do 
my  duty,  in  whatever  way  I  may  be  led,  in  meeting  or  out; 
of  meeting ;  may  the  time  spent  there  be  to  our  mutual 
comfort  and  edification,  and  may  those  left  be  cared  for  and 
preserved,  soul  and  body,  by  Him  who  careth  for  us ;  this 
I  humbly  trust  will  be  the  case.  Amen, 

"  Plashet,  25th. — I  returned  safely  home  to  my  beloved 
family  on  Second-day  evening,  the  22nd,  I  trust  I  may  say 
in  thankfulness  of  heart,  finding  all  well,  and  going  on  alto- 
gether very  comfortably.  I  returned  by  Ipswich  accom- 
panied by  my  sister  Prisciila  and  my  brother  Joseph,  and 
spent  all  First-day  there  ;  but  I  was  unusually  low,  almost 
distressed,  on  account  of  httle  Betsey,  as  I  heard  she  was 
unweU,  and  knew  not  the  extent  of  it ;  so  that  my  natui'al 
impatience  to  get  home  was  great ;  but  I  felt  kept  there, 
and  as  if  I  could  not  go  away ;  and  thus  deeply  tried  ia 
myself  was  greatly  helped  from  one  service  to  another,  dur- 
ing the  day,  being  variously  and  often  engaged.  It  was  a 
day  of  natural  tribulations,  as  far  as  fears  went ;  and  may 
I  not  say  almost  of  spiritual  abounding  ?  So  it  is  !  and  so 
I  often  have  found  it,  that  I  have  to  be  brought  to  the  dust 
of  the  earth  before  I  am  greatly  helped.  Out  of  the  depths 
we  are  raised  to  the  heights." 

The  death  of  her  brother  John  Gurney,  which  occurred 
in  1814,  and  which  fii-st  broke  the  cu-cle  of  eleven  affection- 
ate  brothers  and  sisters,  proved  a  very  tender  occasion. 
Ai-riving  just  before  his  death,  she  was  warmly  greeted 


104 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


with  the  words  "My  dear  sister  come  and  kiss  me."  As  the 
seven  sisters  all  stood  round  ids  bed,  he  expressed  great 
satisfaction,  saying,  it  was  delightful,  how  they  loved  one 
another.  Ehzabeth  then  knelt  and  offered  thanks  for  such 
"unspeakable  blessings."  He  then  said  "What  a  sweet 
prayer!"  and  afterwards,  "I  never  passed  so  happy  a  morn- 
ing ;  how  dehghtful  being  together  and  loving  one  anothei 
as  we  do ! "  One  of  the  sisters  sang  hymns  which  he  en- 
joyed, and  as  the  day  advanced  he  remarked,  "What  a 
beautiful  day  this  has  been?" 

On  the  day  of  the  funeral  Elizabeth  writes : — 

"  My  heart  feels  very  full ;  my  body  I  believe  has  trem- 
bled ever  since  I  rose,  to  meet  the  party  now  assembled 
and  hkely  to  assemble  here.  My  own  corrupt  dispositiona 
I  found  showed  themselves  yesterday,  v/hich  I  believe  tended 
to  lay  me  very  low;  may  I  not  say  the  feeling  of  my  heart  ia 
that  I  am  lying  prostrate  in  the  dust  ?  I  liave  been  greatly 
tendered  in  spirit  with  love  to  those  here  whom  I  beheve  to 
love  the  Lord  /  united  to  them  in  a  manner  inexpressible,  in 
my  inmost  heart — all  baiTiers  being  broken  down.  Yet  I 
{eel  it  needful  to  be  very  watchful,  very  careful ;  to  be  faithful 
to  the  testimony  that  I  apprehend  myself  called  upon  to 
bear,  not  only  for  my  own  sake,  but  also  for  the  sake  of  tha 
younger  ones  about  me.  Lord  be  pleased  to  help  me,  to 
guide  me,  to  counsel  me,  that  from  my  own  will  and  preju- 
dice I  wound  not  a  beloved  brother  or  sister  in  Chiist;  bufe 
BO  keep  me  in  Thy  fear,  in  Thy  love,  and  under  a  sense  oi 
Thy  presence,  that  I  may  act  in  these  most  awful  and  im- 
portant duties  according  to  Thy  most  holy  and  blessed  will. 
,  .  .  .  Let  Thy  good  presence  be  with  us  that  the  lee- 
ble  be  strengthened,  the  discouraged  animated  by  hope,  the 
lukewarm  stimulated,  and  the  backslider  turned  Ixom.  tha 


103 


error  of  his  ways, — even  so  if  consistent  with  Thy  holy  will. 
If  Thou  seest  meet  to  make  use  of  Thy  unworthy  childi'en 
to  speak  in  Thy  name,  be  unto  them  tongue  and  utterance, 
wisdom  aud  power,  that  through  Thy  grace,  and  the  help  of 
Thy  Spiiit  sinners  may  be  converted  unto  Thee.  Amen, 
Amen." 

"Plashet,  llnd. — ^IVIy  beloved  brother's  funeral  was  a  very 
solemn  and  humbling  day  to  me.  Whilst  we  sat  at  Earl- 
ham,  round  the  body,  my  uncle  Joseph,  my  sisters  Cath- 
erine, Eachel,  Priscilla,  and  I  each  had  something  to  say ; 
also  Edward  Edwards.  I  had  to  finish  the  sitting  with  these 
words  '  There  are  different  gifts  but  the  same  Sijhit.  And 
there  are  differences  of  administration,  but  the  same  Lord. 
And  there  are  diversities  of  operations,  but  it  is  the  same 
God  which  worketh  all  iu  all.  But  let  us  earnestly  covet  the 
best  gifts.'  It  certainly  was  a  striking  occasion.  Were  we 
not  aE  in  a  measure  leavened  into  one  spu-it  ?  It  was  a  very 
solemn  time  at  the  ground,  and  I  trust  an  instructive  one, 
very  affecting  to  our  natural  feelings  thus  to  leave  the  body 
of  one  so  tenderly  beloved  to  moulder  with  the  dust.  Upon 
my  return  I  heard  of  the  sudden  death  of  my  long-loved 
cousin,  Joseph  Gurney  Bevan.  My  sphit  was  much  over- 
whelmed within  me,  but  there  was  a  stay  imderneath; 
blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord !  I  bade  them  all  fare- 
well at  Earlham  in  near  unity.  Oh  may  my  children  love  as 
we  love — this  has  been  the  prayer  of  my  heart ! " 

But  with  all  her  gifts,  her  motherly  kindess,  her  humility, 
her  adroitness  in  dealing  with  different  characters,  Eliza- 
beth Fry  found  it  nowhere  so  difficult  to  act  in  the  capacity 
of  a  minister  with  success,  as  in  her  own  immediate  family. 
This  was  due  to  various  causes.  Perhaps  in  the  fii'st  place 
it  was  altogether  natural,  from  the  necessary  familiarity 
on  the  one  hand,  and  the  necessity  of  enforcing  authority  on 


106 


ELIZABETH  FET. 


the  other.  The  profoiind  law  which  secures  diversity  in 
unity  is  also  apt  to  make  some  childi'en  bi-anch  off  from  the 
parent  stock  in  spiritual  as  well  as  natui'al  likings.  In  adi 
dition  to  these  things  considerable  variety  of  opinion  exist- 
ing in  the  large  family  of  uncles  and  aunts,  several  of  whom 
belonged  to  the  Chuich  of  England  and  were  persons  of  es- 
timable chai-acter,  had  its  effect  on  the  young  minds.  StiH 
again,  it  appears  from  various  passages  both  in  the  Journal 
and  the  later  editor's  notes  that  Elizabeth  Fry's  husband 
did  not  wholly  sympathize  with  her  at  all  times  in  her  reli- 
gious zeal  although  a  member  of  the  same  society.  We  are 
even  led  to  suspect,  from  the  care  taken  to  avoid  exphcit 
statements,  and  the  profound  grief  of  the  devoted  wife  and 
mother,  that  there  was  a  more  serious  want  than  the  lack  of 
denominational  zeal.  Sometliing  of  this  gatheiing  cloud 
which  oveshadowed  many  of  the  later  years  of  her  life,  may 
be  seen  in  the  following  extracts,  one  from  the  Journal,  and 
one  from  the  abridged  Life  of  Elizabeth  Fry,  edited  by  Su- 
sanna Corder. 

"  Plashet,  Eleventh  Month,  2nd,  (1814). — My  beloved 
husband  and  girls  returned  from  France  on  Second-day; 
my  heart  was  rather  overwhelmed  in  receiving  them  again. 
I  also  had  to  feel  the  spirit  in  which  some  persons  took  my 
having  allowed  them  to  go,  making  what  appeared  to  be 
unkind  remarks.  Oh  how  I  do  see  rocks  on  every  hand ! 
thus  almost  all  persons  who  appear  to  pride  themselves 
upon  their  consistency  are  apt  to  judge  others;  whilst 
some  who  no  doubt  yield  to  temptations  greatly  suffer  and 
weaken  themselves  by  it.  How  weak,  how  frail  are  we  on 
every  hand!  My  heart  was  much  overwhelmed  seeing  the 
infirmities  of  others  and  feeling  my  own  ;  I  sat  and  wept  in 


UOTHEB  AKD  MINISTEB. 


107 


meeting  yesterday.  I  long,  for  myself,  to  have  a  more 
prompt  obedience  to  the  manifestation  of  light  in  my  soul'. 
When  I  have  time  to  pro  and  con  the  matter,  to  try  thg 
fleece  wet  and  dry,  I  do  pretty  well,  seldom  for  instanca 
leaving  a  Meeting  condemned  for  disobedience  so  much  as 
for  want  of  maintaining  a  faithful  exercise.  But  at  homq 
where  things  quickly  arise  in  my  mind,  before  meals,  or  in 
our  pause  after  reading,  it  appears  as  if  I  could  not  give  up 
to  them  without  trying  the  thing  again  and  again.  I  ques- 
tion whether  I  should  not  do  better  if  I  more  simply,  ia^ 
these  things,  walked  by  faith — whether  I  should  not  pros^ 
per  better,  or  make  more  progress  Zionward ; — but  to  go  to 
the  root  of  the  matter,  may  my  will  become  more  subjected 
to  the  Divine  will.  How  do  I  long  for  the  time  when  I  may 
know  the  Almighty  to  be  my  all  in  all,  my  Lord  and  my 
God,  that  He  may  be  continually  served  by  me,  both  day 
and  night,  in  small  things  and  in  great." 

Bemarks  of  Mrs.  Corder,  on  the  above. 

"Elizabeth  Fry  exercised  a  watchful  care,  never,  tmless 
duty  required  it,  to  oppose  the  wishes  of  her  husband ;  and 
it  could  not  reasonably  be  expected  that  she  would  prevent 
his  taking  his  two  elder  girls  on  this  excursion.  But  her 
solicitude  on  account  of  her  family  became  increasingly 
great.  She  found  as  her  children  advanced  in  age,  and  the 
corrupt  propensities  of  the  natural  mind  developed  them- 
selves, that  she  often  failed  in  her  attempts  to  control  the 
unyielding  will  and  to  subdue  the  vain  inclination — and 
from  external  circumstances  she  did  not  receive  the  co- 
operation requisite  rightly  to  govern  their  volatile  tempera* 
ment :  but  earnest  were  her  efforts  to  guide  them  into  the 
way  of  peace,  and  fervent  her  prayers  that  they  might  bft 
gathered  to  the  fold  of  the  good  Shepherd." 

It  is  proper  here  to  add  some  editorial  remarks  of  he? 
daughters  made  in  this  connection. 


108 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


"Mrs.  Fry  was  always  very  jealous  over  herself,  lest  her 
avocations  as  the  head  of  the  family  should  be  neglected 
from  her  time  and  attention  being  so  greatly  occupied  by 
those  duties  which  she  believed  herself  called  to  perform  in 
the  church ;  but  she  was  even  more  alive  to  the  danger  of 
carrying  on  the  business  of  life  in  dependence  upon  her 
own  strength." 

"It  would  not  be  true  to  say  that  lilrs.  Fry  naturally 
cared  much  for  outward  appearance,  or  that  she  took  pleas- 
ure in  domestic  concein.  She  loved  a  simple  liberality  aiid 
unostentatious  comfort.  Her  element  was  hospitality,  an'd, 
whilst  Christian  moderation  was  observed,  her  taste  was 
gratified  by  an  open,  generous  mode  of  living;  but  she 
would  not  have  chosen  for  her  own  pleasure  the  oversight 
of  either  house  or  table ;  and  when  in  later  life  circumstan- 
ces rendered  care  and  economy  a  duty,  it  was  a  great  relief 
to  her  to  be  able  to  depute  the  charge  of  household  affairs 
to  one  of  her  daughters.  She  was  always  most  correct  in 
account-keeping ;  the  distinct  heads  of  house,  gai'den,  farm, 
charity,  with  many  others,  marked  the  painstaking  care  with 
which  she  performed  her  self-imposed  task. 

"As  mistress  of  a  family,  if  she  erred  it  was  upon  the 
Bide  of  indulgence;  scarcely  liking  to  exert  that  power 
over  the  wills  and  feelings  of  others  which  is  so  conducive 
to  theu'  good,  and  so  infinitely  in  favor  of  those  governed, 
as  well  as  those  in  the  more  arduous  position  of  governing 
others ;  but  she  was  aware  of  this  herself,  and  a  '  firm  hand 
with  a  household,'  was  among  the  maxims  she  ijapressed 
upon  her  daughters  as  they  advanced  in  life. 

"During  the  infancy  of  her  children  she  was  singularly 
devoted  to  them  by  night  as  well  as  day.  She  attended  to 
their  minutest  ailments,  and  was  distressed  by  their  suffer- 
ings ;  in  health  and  happiness  they  refi-eshed  her  by  their 
smiles.  She  had  the  gentlest  touch  with  httle  children, 
literally  and  figui'atively.  She  would  win  their  hearts  if 
they  had  never  seen  her  before,  almost  at  the  first  glance, 


1 


MOTHER  AND  MINISTEB. 


109- 


and  by  the  first  sound  of  her  musical  voice.  As  her  chil- 
di"en  grew  older  her  love  was  undiminished,  but  her  facility 
^was  less  than  before  the  sinfulness  of  the  human  heart 
had  developed  itself  in  positive  evil ;  this  especially  appUes 
to  the  elder  ones.  She  had  not  a  talent  for  education  if 
that  -word  be  used  for  imparting  knowledge ;  probably  be- 
cause her  own  had  been  interi'upted  and  unfinished ;  nor  did 
she  appreciate,  tUl  the  experience  of  life  taught  her,  the 
necessity  of  exerting  minute,,  continued  and  personal  influ- 
ence over  the  minds  of  children.  She  had  to  learn  that  if 
the  golden  harvest  of  success  is  to  be  reaped,  the  husband- 
man must  exert  both  industry  and  sldll.  The  genial  sun 
to  ripen,  and  the  refreshing  shower  to  moisten  the  ground^ 
are  indeed  needful ;  but  the  soil  must  have  been  turned  up, 
and  the  seed  sown  by  the  labor  of  man.'* 

Pretty  good  results,  however,  seem  to  have  been  finally  ob- 
tained ;  and  it  must  always  remain  a  question  for  individual 
judgment  how  much  of  the  work  belongs  to  man,  and  how 
much  must  be  left  to  natui-e  and  grace. 

^'Mildred's  Court,  First  Month,  16th,  1815.— We  came 
here  for  a  little  change  of  air  on  account  of  our  poor  babe,, 
who  has  been  and  continues  seriously  ill.  Instead  of  her 
sweet  smile  her  countenance  mostly  marks  distress ;  the 
cause  appears  greatly  hidden ;  my  mind  and  heart  are  op- 
pressed and  my  body  fatigued,  partly  from  losing  so  much 
sleep.  I  have  felt  my  infirmity  during  this  affliction,  and 
also  having  betrayed  it  to  others,  which  I  have,  I  appre- 
hended, to  judge  by  my  touchy  feelings ;  but  I  trust  I  re- 
pent. Oh  what  am  I  ?  very  poor,  very  unworthy,  very 
weak ;  but  through  all  I  trust  that  the  Lord  will  be  my 
stay  ;  and  even  when  brought  thus  low  I  have  known  a  little 
of  being  at  seasons  clothed  with  that  righteousness  which 
cometh  from  God.    I  found  it  was  well  so  feelingly  to  have 


110 


ELIZABETH  FBT 


been  bronght  to  a  knowledge  of  what  I  am  in  myself,  as  I 
could  more  fully  testify  from  whence  the  good  comes,  when 
brought  in  measure  under  its  calming,  enlivening,  and  lov-- 
ing  iofluence.  Preserve  me,  O  Lord,  from  hurting  the  little 
ones,  more  particularly  those  before  whom  I  have  to  walk ; 
and  permit  me  yet  to  encoui'age  their  progress  Zionward. 

25th. — A  time  of  anxiety  about  things  temporal  has  lately 
been  my  portion,  but  much  deliverance  has  so  far  been 
granted;  my  sweet  bab}' is  much  better :  though  other  mat- 
ters are  stUl  pressing,  yet  it  appears,  as  to  things  temporal, 
that  prayer  has  been  heard  and  answered.  From  one  cause 
or  another  how  much  my  heart,  mind  and  time  have,  for 
more  than  a  year  past,  been  engaged  with  the  cares  of  this 
hfe ;  alas  !  may  the  pure  seed  not  be  choked." 

Two  short  religious  visits  were  made  during  the  year 
1815,  and  before  its  close  she  who  had  ministered  consola- 
tion to  others  was  called  to  bear  a  new  and  severe  trial  of 
her  own  strength  in  the  loss  of  a  child.  The  event  is  thus 
described  in  her  Journal. 

^^Plashet,  Eleventh  Month. — It  has  pleased  Almighty 
and  Infinite  Wisdom  to  take  from  us  our  most  dear  and  ten- 
derly beloved  child,  little  Betsey — between  four  and  five 
years  old.  She  was  a  very  precious  child,  of  much  wisdom 
for  her  years,  and  I  can  hardly  help  believing  much  grace  ; 
liable  to  the  frailty  of  childhood.  At  times  she  would  differ 
with  the  little  one  and  rather  loved  her  own  way ;  but  she 
was  very  easy  to  lead,  though  not  one  to  be  di-iven.  She 
had  most  tender  afflictions,  a  good  understanding,  for 
her  years  a  remarkably  staid  and  solid  mind.  Her  love 
was  very  strong  and  her  little  attentions  great  to  those 
fehe  loved,  and  remarkable  in  her  kindness  to  servants,  poor 
people,  and  to  ail  animals,  she  had  much  feeling  for  them* 
Tjut  what  \>a3  more,  the  bent  of  her  mind  was  remai'kably 


MOTHEB  AND  MINISTER. 


in 


toward  serious  things.  It  was  a  subject  she  loved  to  dwel^ 
upon.  She  wouJd  often  talk  about  'Almighty,'  and  almost 
everything  that  had  connection  with  Him.  On  Third-day, 
after  some  suffering  of  body  from  great  sickness  she  ap- 
peared wonderfuEy  relieved,  and  I  may  say  raised  in  spirit. 
She  began  by  telling  me  how  many  hymns  and  stories  she 
knew,  with  her  countenance  greatly  animated,  a  flush  on  her 
cheeks,  and  her  eyes  very  bright,  a  snule  of  inexpresdible 
content,  almost  joy.  I  think  she  first  said  with  a  powerful 
voice, 

'How  glorious  ia  our  Heavenly  Ring, 
Who  reigns  above  the  skies 

and  then  expressed  how  beautiful  it  was,  and  how  the  little 
children  that  die  stand  before  Him ;  but  she  did  not  remem- 
ber all  the  words  of  the  hymn,  nor  could  I  help  her.  She 
then  mentioned  other  hymns,  and  many  sweet  things ;  she 
spoke  with  delight  of  how  she  could  nurse  the  little  ones 
and  take  cai'e  of  them,  etc.,  her  heart  appeared  inexpressibly 
to  overflow  with  love.  ...  In  her  death  there  appeared 
abundant  cause  for  thanksgiving ;  prayer  appeared  indeed 
to  be  answered,  as  very  little  if  any  suffering  seemed  to  at- 
tend her,  and  no  struggle  at  last;  but  her  breath  grew 
more  and  more  seldom  and  gentle,  till  she  ceased  to  breathe. 
t)uring  the  day,  being  from  time  to  time  strengthened  ia 
prayer,  in  heart,  and  in  word,  I  found  myself  only  led  to 
ask  for  her  that  she  might  be  forever  with  her  God,  whether 
fihe  remained  much  longer  in  time  or  not,  but  that,  if  it 
pleased  Infinite  Wisdom,  her  sufferings  might  be  mitigated, 
and  as  far  as  it  was  needful  for  her  to  suffer,  that  she  mi^ht 
be  sustained.  This  was  marvelously  answered,  beyond, 
anything  we  could  expect.  I  desire  never  to  forget  this 
favor  but,  if  it  please  Infinite  Wisdom,  to  be  preserved  frord 
repining  or  unduly  giving  way  to  lamentation  for  losing  so 
Bweet,  so  kind  a  child.    .    .   My  loss  has  touched  me  in  a 


112 


ELIZABETH  FBI. 


manner  almost  inexpressible ;  to  awake  and  find  my  much 
and  so  tenderly  beloved  little  girl  so  totally  fled  from  my 
view,  so  many  pleasant  pictures  marred.  As  far  as  I  am 
concerned,  I  view- it  as  a  separation  from  a  sweet  source  of 
comfort  and  enjoyment,  but  surely  not  a  real  evU.  Abun- 
dant comforts  are  left  me,  if  it  please  my  kind  and  Heav- 
enly Father  to  give  me  power  to  enjoy  tliem,  and  continu- 
ally in  heart  to  return  Him  thanks  on  account  of  His  imut- 
terable  loving-kindness  to  my  tenderly  beloved  little  one, 
who  had  so  sweet  and  easy  a  life  and  so  tranquil  a  death; 
and  that  in  her  young  and  tender  years  her  heart  had  been 
animated  with  love  and  desu-es  after  Himself,  and  also  that 
for  our  sakes  she  should  so  often  have  expressed  it  in  her 
childish,  innocent  way. 

In  reference  to  this  event,  Richenda  Gurney,  writing  to 
her  sister  Eachel,  at  Rome,  said ; — 

"  I  never  witnessed  stronger  faith,  more  submission,  more 
evidences  of  the  power  of  grace  in  any  one,  than  in  ovu:  be- 
loved sister  at  this  time ;  I  felt  it  a  mercy  to  be  a  hum- 
ble sharer  in  the  rich  portion  granted  her  in  that  hour  of 
need;  never  was  I  more  impressed  with  the  blessedness 
which  is  experienced  by  those  who  have  served  the  Lord 
Jesus,  who  have  preferred  H!im  above  all  things,  who  have 
been  wUling  to  take  up  their  daUy  cross  and  follow  Him. 
He  is  not  a  hard  Master ;  He  never  leaves  nor  forsakes  His 
own,  and  will  show  Himself  strong  in  behalf  of  those  whose 
hearts  are  perfect  towards  Siin.  After  a  few  minutes  we 
retired  with  our  dear  sister  to^'tfie  next  room.  She  was  de- 
sirous that  children  and  servants,  (especially  the  nurses,) 
and  all  her  friends  who  had  been  present  should  come  to 
her.  When  thus  surrounded  as  she  lay  upon  the  sofa,  she 
poured  out  her  heart  in  thanksgiving  and  prayer,  in  a  man- 
ner deeply  affecting  and  edifying.   For  myself  I  felt  it 


UOTHEB  AND  imaSTEK 


113 


highly  valuable,  and  would  not  but  have  been  there  for  a 
great  deal.  Whilst  memory  lasts,  I  think  and  hope  I  never 
ehall  forget  the  scene  or  the  impression  it  made." 

The  trials  of  the  mother  and  minister  are  touchingly  por- 
trayed in  the  following  entry  in  her  Journal  within  less  than 
a  month  after  the  death  of  her  chUd. 

*•  Plashet,  Twelfth  Month,  2nd. — am  brought  into  soni© 
conflict  this  morning  respecting  my  attending  the  Dorset- 
shiie  Quarterly  Meeting.  I  had  looked  to  it  before  the  ill- 
ness of  our  dear  lamb,  and  not  feeling  clear  of  it,  and  yet 
not  much  light  shining  upon  it,  my  poor  soul  is  tried  within 
me ;  for  under  my  present  circumstances  I  appear  much  to 
want  the  help  of  faith  to  leave  my  other  sweet  lambs.  But 
ought  I  not  rather  to  feel  renewed  stimulus,  seeing  how  short 
time  is,  to  do  what  comes  to  hand,  and  after  all  that  I  have 
experienced  should  I  not  rather  trust  than  be  afraid : — for  was 
the  hand  of  Providence  ever  more  marked,  even  as  it  related 
to  outward  things?  I  believe  I  am  fully  resigned  to  go  if 
it  be  the  Lord's  will :  for  I  do  believe,  for  all  my  many  and 
great  infirmities,  my  flinching  nature,  my  want  of  faith  an^ 
patience,  yet  it  remains  my  first  desii'e  to  do  or  to  suffer 
according  to  the  Divine  will.  If  consistent  with  Thy  holy 
will,  dearest  Lord,  if  I  ought  to  go,  be  pleased  to  throw  a 
little  Ught  upon  the  subject ;  and  if  not,  somehow  make  it 
manifest;  and  if  Thou  shouldst  think  fit  to  call  Thy  poor 
child  into  Thy  service,  be  pleased  to  be  with  her  in  it,  and 
bless  her  labors  of  love  where  her  lot  may  be  cast,  that 
others  may  be  made  sensible  how  good  a  God  Thou  art, 
how  great  is  Thy  teuder  mercy  and  loving  kindness,  and 
that  these  may  be  encouraged  yet  to  serve  Thee  more  vvith 
the  whole  heart;  also  be  pleased,  dearest  Lord,  if  Thou 
shouldst  order  it  that  I  go,  to  keep  my  beloved  husband, 
children  and  household  in  my  absence,  that  no  harm  may 


ELI2ABETB  FB7. 


come  to  them,  spiiitually  or  bodily.  Thou  hast  in  abundanfi 
mercy  regai-ded  the  weak  estate  of  Thy  handmaid,  and  hither- 
to answered  her  cry,  and  even  met  her  in.  her  weakness ;  that 
if  not  asking  ui  her  own  wUl  she  could  supplicate  Thee  that 
their  poor  bodies,  as  well  as  their  souls,  may  be  preserved 
from  (much)  hai'm  ia  her  absence ;  but,  deai-est  Lord,  let 
me  not  go  if  my  right  place  be  at  home ;  but  if  Thou  callest 
me  out,  be  pleased  to  grant  a  Uttle  faith,  and  a  httle 
strength,  that  I  may  go  forth  in  Thy  power,  trusting  in 
Thee,  as  it  relates  to  them,  as  well  as  to  myself.  Be 
pleased  also,  if  I  be  called  from  home  at  such  a  time,  not  to 
let  it  try  or  weaken  the  faith  of  others ;  but  rather  may  it 
tend  to  confii'm  and  strengthen  it. 

"JPlashet,  11th. — Truly  I  went  forth  weeping;  and  my 
sweet  Louisa  being  poorly,  much  increased  my  anxiety;  and 
it  is  difficult  to  say  the  fears  and  doubts  that  crept  in,  on  my 
way  to  Shaftsbuiy,  though  through  mercy  the  enemy's 
power  appeared  limited,  and  my  feai's  gained  no  dominion 
over  me;  but  they  were  soon  quieted,  and  I  had  mostly 
quiet,  comfortable  nights,  though  it  was  wading  through 
deep  waters  and  in  great  weakness ;  yet  help  was  from  sea- 
son to  season  administered. 

"  JPlashet,  It  is  the  opinion  of  medical  men  that 

the  scarlet  fever,  in  a  mild  form,  is  the  complaint  in  the 
house.  It  is  most  probable  that  it  will  again  appear 
amongst  us,  but  that  I  desire  to  leave.  They  also  think 
our  dear  Rachel  has  a  very  serious  hip  complaint,  but  this 
I  also  feel  disposed  not  to  be  very  anxious  about.  With 
regard  to  my  tenderly  beloved  little  Betsey,  she  is  in  my 
most  near  and  affectionate  remembrance,  by  night  and  by 
day.  "When  I  feel  her  loss,  and  view  her  little  (to  me)  beau- 
tiful body  in  Barking  burying-ground,  my  heart  is  painecf 
within  me ;  but  when,  with  the  eye  of  faith,  I  can  view  her 
in  an  everlasting  resting-place  in  Christ  Jesus,  where  indeed 
no  evil  can  come  nigh  her  dwelling,  then  I  can  rest,  even 
with  sweet  consolai>ion ;  and  I  do  truly  desu-e  that  when 


MOTHKB  AND  MINISTEB. 


116 


her  loss  is  so  present  with  me,  as  it  is  at  times,  tliat  I  can- 
not help  my  natural  spirits  being  much  overwhelmed,  that 
I  may  be  preserved  from  anything  like  repining,  or  undue 
Borrow,  or  in  any  degree  depreciating  the  many  blessings 
continued ;  particularly  so  many  sweet  dear  children  being 
left  us:  for  through  all  I  feel  receiving  them  a  blessing, 
having  their  life  preserved  a  blessing,  and  in  the  sweet  lamb 
who  is  taken,  I  have  felt  a  blessing  in  her  being  taken 
away ;  such  an  evidence  of  faith  has  been  granted  that  it  is 
in  mercy,  and  at  the  time  such  a  feeling  of  joy  on  her  ac- 
count. It  is  now  softened  down  into  a  very  tender  sorrow, 
the  remembrance  of  her  is  inexjDressibly  sweet,  and  I  trust 
that  the  whole  event  has  done  me  good,  as  I  peculiarly  feej 
it  an  encouragement  to  suffer  whatever  is  appointed  me; 
that  beuig  (if  it  may  ever  be  my  blessed  allotment)  made 
perfect  through  suffering,  I  may  be  in-epared  to  join  the 
purified  spii-its  of  those  that  have  gone  before  me ;  and 
having  felt  so  very  deeply,  I  am  almost  ready  to  think  has 
a  little  prepared  my  neck  for  the  yoke  of  suffering." 

Her  tenth  child  was  born  on  the  18th  of  May,  1816.  In 
June  her  childi'en  went  to  Pakefield,  for  the  benefit  of  sea 
air,  and  remained  for  a  time  in  the  family  of  her  brother-in- 
law,  Francis  Cunningham,  "an  active  and  devoted  clergy- 
man." "She  deeply  felt  their  being  thrown  among  those 
who  were  not  Friends,  but  the  advantages  of  the  wise  care 
and  oversight  of  her  sister  Eachel  Gurney,  and  the  privi- 
lege of  associating  with  the  brother  who  invited  them  to  be 
his  guests,  overcame  her  objections,  and  she  agreed  to  an 
arrangement  which  appears  to  have  given  the  complexion 
to  their  future  lives,  and  more  or  less  directly  to  have  infla- 
©nced  every  member  of  the  family."  * 
*  

•I  have  received  a  letter,  bearing  date  August  22, 1882,  from  the  80S 


116 


ELIZABETH  FET. 


Afterwards  her  two  eldest  boys  went  to  Earlham  to  pvir- 
sue  their  education  under  the  care  of  their  aunts,  and  her 
daughters  to  North  Runcton,  in  the  family  of  her  brother 
Daniel  Gumey.  "Whilst  conscious  of  the  literary  advan- 
tages enjoyed  by  her  children,  she  feared  the  probable  effect 
of  their  cu'cumstances,  and  of  the  influences  to  which  they 
were  subjected."*  The  following  extract  exhibits  her  feel- 
ings and  spirit  under  these  conditions. 

"  Seventh  Month,  Uh. — have  been  at  Pakefield  with  my 
beloved  brother  and  sister :  my  soul  has  travaUed  much  in 
the  deeps  on  many  accounts ;  more  particularly  while  with 
them  that  in  keeping  to  our  scruples  respecting  prayer, 
&c.,  &c.,  the  right  thing  might  be  hurt  in  no  mind.  Words 
fall  very  short  of  expression  of  how  much  my  spirit  is  over* 
whelmed  within  me  for  us  all.  Our  situation  is  very  pecu- 
liar, siuTounded  as  we  are  with  those  of  various  senti- 


whose  birth  is  last  recorded,  and  who  still  resides  at  Plashet,  giving 
the  following  particulars  of  Elizabeth  Fry's  tamily  and  descendants. 
Eight  of  her  eleven  children  are  still  living.  Of  these  only  two  are 
members  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  the  ethers  belonging  to  the  Church 
lOf  England.  "The  grandchildren,  great  grandchildren,  and  great 
great  do. ,  amount  to  139  souls."  He  adds:  " With  respect  to  the  Lifo 
of  iny  mother  as  originally  published  by  my  sisters  KatherineFry  and 
Kachel  E.  Cresswell,  in  2  vols. — it  has  long  been  out  of  print,  and  is 
very  difiScult  to  obtain.  I  think  I  know  an  old  Friend  who  would  part 
With  one  he  has  for  two  pounds,  as  money  would  be  of  more  use  to 
him  than  the  book.  .  .  .  There  is  a  large  engraving  after  Eich- 
tuond's  picture,  about  30  inches  high,  full  length,  but  it  is  difficult  to 
obtain  a  copy,  and  would  cost  about  three  pounds.  This  was  taken 
when  she  was  about  63  years  old.  .  .  ,  ,  If  I  can  be  of  any  further 
eervice  to  you  in  the  collection  of  mattfet  for  your  book  I  shall  be  very 
bappy  to  help  you,  and  reuAam 

"Yours  truly, 

**S.  Gdeney  Fax." 

•S.  Colder. 


MOTHER  AND  HINISTEB. 


117 


ments,  and  yet  I  humbly  trust  each  seeking  the  right  way. 
To  have  a  clergyman  for  a  brother  is  very  different  to  hav- 
ing one  for  a  friend ;  a  much  closer  tie,  and  a  stUl  stronger 
call,  for  the  sake  of  preserving  sweet  unity  of  spirit,  to 
^g^^t  jbim  as  far  as  we  can,  to  offend  as  little  as  possible  by 
our  scruples,  and  yet  for  the  sake  of  others,  as  weU  as  our- 
selves, faithfully  to  maintain  our  ground,  and  to  keep  very 
close  to  that  which  can  alone  duect  aiight." 

The  benefit  of  having  families  somewhat  divided  in  reli- 
gious opinion  and  practice,  is  well  illustrated  by  the  above 
extract.  When  oui-  own  brothers  and  sisters,  equally  sin- 
cere and  intelligent  with  oui'selves,  see  paths  of  duty  differ- 
ing from  our  own,  we  are  induced  to  hope,  that  there  may 
be  nothing  harmful  in  these  diversities.  And  yet  our  weak- 
ness often  lies  very  close  to  our  strength.  "^Miat  we  have 
found  good  for  ourselves  we  naturally  think  must  be  good 
for  others,  and  especially  our  childi-en.  Elizabeth  Fry 
afterwards  suffered  acutely  because  her  children,  as  they 
gi"ew  up,  with  these  various  examples  before  them,  indulged 
a  growing  disinclination  to  the  peculiar  customs  of  Friends, 
and  generally  chose  other  associations.  But  as  she  herseli 
paingled  more  with  Christians  holding  different  views,  her 
liberality  continued  to  increase,  as  it  might  not  have  done 
had  her  own  religious  society  been  more  flourishing,  and 
had  her  wishes  been  granted  in  respect  to  her  own  family. 

"Mildred's  Court,  Twelfth  Month,  loth.  (1816)— I  re- 
turned yesterday  from  attending  poor  dear  Joseph's  funeral 
at  Norwich,  the  son  of  my  uncle  Joseph  Guiuey.  I  have 
gone  through  a  good  deal,  what  with  mourning  with  the 
mourners,  the  ministry,  &c.,  &c.  I  think  I  was  in  this  re- 
spect, at  the  funeral  helped  by  the  Spirit  and  the  power  that 


118 


ELIZABETH  TRY. 


we  cannot  command ;  though  I  left  Eailham  with  a  burdened 
mind,  not  having  any  apparently  suitable  opportunity  for 
relief,  hui'rying  away,  to  my  feelings  prematurely,  of  wbicb 
I  find  even  the  remembrance  painful.  My  sweet  dear  girls 
Qnd  boys  I  much  feel  again  leaving,  seeing  their  critical  aga 
and  state.  What  I  feel  for  the  children  I  cannot  describe. 
Oh  !  may  they  be  sheltered  under  the  great  Almighty  wing 
BO  as  not  to  go  greatly  astray." 

This  chapter  may  fitly  be  concluded  by  her  advices  to  her 
gills  and  boys  when  at  school. 

<"  Flasket,  Mnth  Month,  27th,  1816. 

^Iiy  MUCH  tOVED  GIRLS, 

"Yom' letters  received  last  evening  gave  us  much  pleas- 
ure. _  X  anxiously  hope  that  you  wUl  now  do  your  utmost 
in  whatever  respects  your  education,  not  only  on  your  own 
account,  but  for  our  sakes.  1 1  look  forward  to  your  return 
with  so  nduch  comfort,  as  useful  and  valuable  helpers  to 
irie,\which  you  will  be  all  the  more  if  you  get  forward  your-J 
selves:  '  I  see  quite  a  field  of  useful  service  and  enjoyment 
for  yovu  should .  we/fee  favored  to  meet  under  comfortable 
feircumstahces  in  the  spring.  I  mean  that  you  should  have 
a  certain  department  to  fill  in  the  house,  amongst  the  child- 
ren and  the  poor,  as  well  as  your  own  studies  and  enjoy- 
ments; I  think  there  has  not  often  been  a  brighter  opening 
for  two  girls.  Plashet  is  after  all  such  a  home;  it  now 
looks  sweetly,  and  your  little  room  is  almost  a  temptation  to 
me  to  take  it  for  a  sitting-room  for  myself,  it  is  so  pretty 
and  so  snug ;  it  is  newly  furnished  and  looks  very  pleasant 
indeed.  The  poor  and  the  schools  I  think  will  be  glad  to 
have  you  home,  for  help  is  wanted  in  these  things.  Indeed 
if  your  hearts  are  but  turned  the  right  way,  you  riiay  I  be- 
lieve be  made  insVruments  of  much  good;  and  I  shall  be 
glad  to  have  the  day  c6me  that  I  may  introduce  you  into 
prisons  and  hospitals.    '  Therefore  gu'd  up  the  loins  of  your 


MOTHER  AND  MINISTEB. 


119 


mind  and  be  sober.'  This  appears  to  me  your  present  busi- 
ness— to  give  all  diligence  to  your  present  duties ;  and  I 
cannot  help  believing,  if  this  be  the  case,  that  the  day  v?ill 
come  when  you  will  be  brought  into  much  usefulness." 

To  each  of  her  sons  at  school  she  gave  "  Rules  for  a  Boy 
at  Boarding  School,"  from  which  the  following  extracts  are 
made : 

"Be  regular;  strict  in  attending  to  religious  duties ;  and 
do  not  allow  other  boys  around  thee  to  prevent  thy  having 
some  portion  of  time  for  reading,  at  least  a  text  of  Scrip* 
ture,  meditation,  prayer,  and  if  it  appears  to  be  a  duty,  flinch 
not  from  bowing  the  knee  before  them  as  a  mark  of  thyal- 
iegiance  to  the  King  of  Kings  and  Lord  of  Lords.  . 
Strongly  as  I  ad  vise  thy  faithfully  maintaining  thy  princi- 
ples and  doing  thy  duty,  I  would  have  thee  very  careful  of 
either  judging  or  reproving  others  ;  for  it  takes  a  long  time 
to  get  the  beam  out  of  our  own  eye,  before  we  can  sea 
clearly  to  take  the  mote  out  of  our  brother's  eye.  There  is 
for  one  young  in  years  much  greater  safety  in  preaching  to 
others  by  example  than  in  word.  .  .  .  Maintain  truth 
and  strict  integrity  upon  all  points.  Be  not  double-minded 
in  any  degree ;  but  faithfully  maintain,  not  only  the  upright 
principles  on  religious  grounds,  but  also  the  brightest  honor. 
I  like  to  see  it  in  small  things  and  in  great,  for  it  marks  the 
upright  man." 


CHAPTER  IV. 


NEWGATE. 

"We  now  approach  the  work  of  Christian  benevolence, 
which  gave  the  name  of  Elizabeth  Fry  to  fame.  The  first 
accounts  of  this  enterprise  take  us  back  to  the  year  1813. 

kindred's  Court,  Second  Month,  loth. — My  fear  for  my- 
self the  last  few  days  is,  lest  I  should  be  exaited  by  the 
evident  unity  of  my  dear  friends  whom  I  greatly  value ;  and 
also  my  natural  health  and  spii'its  being  gfood;  and  being 
engaged  in  some  laudable  pursuits,  more  particularly  secmg 
after  the  prisoners  in  Newgate.  Oh  how  deeply,  now  very 
deeply,  I  fear  the  temptation  of  ever  being  exalted,  or  seJf- 
conceited !  I  cannot  preserve  myself  from  this  temptation 
any  more  than  being  unduly  cast  down  or  crushed  by 
others.  Be  pleased,  O  Lord !  to  preserve  me ;  for  the  deep 
inwai'd  prayer  of  my  heart  is  that  I  may  ever  walk  humbly 
before  Thee,  and  also  before  all  mankind.  Let  me  never, 
in  any  way,  take  that  glory  to  myself  which  alone  belongs 
unto  Thee,  if  in  Thy  mercy  Thou  shouldst  ever  enable  one 
BO  unworthy  either  to  do  good  or  to  communicate. 

"  16th. — Yesterday  we  were  some  hours  at  Newgate  with 
the  poor  female  felons,  attending  to  their  outward  necessi- 
ties. We  had  been  twice  previously.  Before  we  went 
away  dear  Anna  Buxton  offered  a  few  words  in  suppUca- 
tion,  and,  very  unexpectedly  to  myself,  I  did  also.  I  heard 
weeping  and  I  thought  they  appeared  much  tendered:  a 


NEWGATE. 


121 


very  solemn  quiet  was  observed :  it  was  a  striking  scene, 
the  poor  people  on  their  knees  around,  in  their  deplorable 
condition." 

"  Thus  simply  and  incidentally,"  observe  her  daughters, 
from  whose  account  I  shall  now  make  some  extracts,  "is 
recorded  Elizabeth  Fry's  first  entrance  upon  the  scene  of 
her  future  labors,  evidently  without  any  idea  of  the  im- 
portance of  its  ultimate  results. 

["From  early  youth  her  spirit  had  often  been  attracted, 
in  painful  sympathy,  toward  those  who,  by  yielding  them- 
selves to  the  bondage  of  sin,  had  become  the  victims  of 
human  justice.  Before  she  was  fifteen  years  of  age,  the 
House  of  Correction  at  Norwich  excited  her  feelings  of 
deep  interest,  and  by  repeated  and  earnest  persuasion  she 
induced  her  father  to  allow  her  to  visit  it.  She  referred, 
many  years  afterwai'ds,  to  the  impressions  which  had  then 
been  received,  and  mentioned  to  a  dear  and  venerable 
father  in  the  truth  amongst  us,  that  it  had  laid  the  foun- 
dation for  her  engagements  in  prison." — /S.  Corder.~\ 

"In  January  of  this  year,  four  members  of  the  Society  of 
Friends,  all  well  known  to  Elizabeth  Fry,  had  visited  some 
persons  in  Newgate  who  were  about  to  be  executed.  Al- 
though no  mention  is  made  of  the  circumstance  in  the 
journal,  it  has  always  been  understood  that  the  representa- 
tions of  these  Friends,  particularly  those  of  William  Fos- 
ter, one  of  the  number,  first  induced  her  personally  to  in- 
spect the  state  of  the  women,  with  the  view  of  alleviating 
their  sufferings  occasioned  by  the  inclemency  of  the  season. 

"At  that  time  all  the  female  prisoners  in  Newgate  were 
confined  in  that  part  now  known  as  the  untried  side.  The 
lai'ger  portion  of  the  Quadrangle  was  then  used  as  a  state 
prison.  The  partition  wall  was  not  of  sufficient  height  to 
prevent  the  state  prisoners  from  ovei-looking  the  narrow 


122 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


yard  and  the  windows  of  the  two  wards  and  two  cells  of 
which  the  women's  division  consisted.  These  four  rooms 
comprised  about  one  hundred  and  ninety  superficial  yards, 
into  which,  at  the  time  of  these  visits,  nearly  three  hun- 
di'ed  women,  with  their  numerous  childi'en,  were  crowded : 
tried  and  untried,  misdemeanants  and  felons,  without  clas- 
sification, without  employment,  and  with  no  other  superin- 
tendence than  that  given  by  a  man  and  his  sou  who  had 
charge  of  them  by  night  and  by  day.  In  the  same  rooms, 
in  rags  and  dirt,  destitute  of  sufiicient  clothing,  (for  which 
there  was  no  provision,)  sleeping  without  bedding,  on  the 
floor,  the  boards  of  which  were  in  part  raised  to  supply  a 
sort  of  pillow,  they  Uved,  cooked  and  washed. 

"With  the  proceeds  of  their  clamorous  begging,  when 
any  stranger  appeared  amongst  them,  the  prisoners  pur- 
chased liquors  from  a  regular  tap  in  the  prison.  Spirits 
were  openly  di'unk,  and  the  ear  was  assailed  by  the  most 
terrible  language.  Beyond  that  which  was  necessary  for 
safe  custody,  there  was  little  restraint  over  their  communi- 
cation with  the  world  without. 

"  Although  military  sentinels  were  posted  on  the  leads  of 
the  prison,  such  was  the  lawlessness  prevailing,  that  Mr. 
Newman,  the  governor,  entered  this  portion  of  it  with 
reluctancy.  Fearful  that  their  watches  would  be  snatched 
from  their  sides,  he  advised  the  ladies  (though  without 
avaU)  to  leave  them  in  his  house. 

"  Into  this  scene  Elizabeth  Fry  entered,  accompanied  only 
by  Anna  Buxton.  The  sorrowful  and  neglected  condition 
of  these  depraved  women  and  their  miserable  children,  dwell- 
ing in  such  a  vortex  of  corruption,  deeply '  sank  into  her 
heart,  although  at  this  time  nothiog  more  was  done  than  to 
supply  the  most  destitute  with  clothes.  She  cgj-uied  back  to 
her  home  and  into  the  midst  of  other  avocatio'rPafld  interests 
a  lively  remembrance  of  all  that  she  had  witnessed  at  New- 
gate, which  within  four  years  induced  that  systematic  effort 
for  amehorating  the  condition  of  these  poor  outcasts,  so 


BEWQATB. 


123 


Bignally  blessed  by  Him  who  said  *  That  joy  shall  be  in 
Heaven  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth,  more  than  over 
ninety  and  nine  just  persons  that  need  no  repentance.' 

"Not  only  did  a  considerable  space  of  time  elapse,  after 
Elizabeth  Fry's  first  visits  to  Newgate,  before  she  renewed 
theni,  but  in  the  interim  many  events  occurred  of  deep  im- 
port to  herself.  He  '  who  sits  as  a  Refiner  and  a  Purifier  of 
sUver,'  saw  fit  to  exercise  her  in  the  school  of  affliction  before 
raising  her  up  for  the  remarkable  work  which  she  had  to  do. 
Long  and  distressing  indisposition,  the  death  of  her  brother 
John  Gurney,  that  of  her  paternal  friend  Joseph  Gumey 
Bevan,  the  loss  of  a  most  tenderly  beloved  child,  considera- 
ble decrease  of  property,  separation  for  a  time  from  all  her 
elder  children,  were  among  the  means  used  by  Him  who 
cannot  err  to  teach  her  the  utter  instability  of  every  human 
possession,  to  draw  her  heart  more  entirely  to  Himself,  and 
to  prepare  her  for  His  service." 

I  again  quote  from  Mrs.  Corder's  volume  at  a  later  date^ 
L-page  233. 

"Three  years  had  now  elapsed  since  Elizabeth  Fry  had 
first  visited  Newgate ;  but  her  spirit  had  from  time  to  time 
been  led  into  deep  and  solemn  feeling  on  account  of  the  de- 
graded inmates  of  that  prison ;  and  a  conviction  became 
gradually  impressed  on  her  mind  that  she  was  requiied  by 
Him  to  whose  service  she  had  been  enabled  to  dedicate  her- 

tlf  as  an  unquenched  coal  on  His  sacred  altar,  to  labor,  as 
e  might  see  meet  to  open  the  way  and  to  dii-ect  her  steps, 
f^jp  the  moral  reformation  and  above  all  for  the  spuitual 
coliversion  and  help  of  the  most  depraved  and  miserable  of 
her  sex.  Nothing  but  the  constraining  love  of  Christ  could 
j|iav6  Induced  this  tender  and  delicate  woman  thus  to  sur- 
render domestic  comfort  and  personal  ease,  and  even  to  risk 
her  own  reputation,  to  follow  what  she  believed  to  be  the 
call  of  her  Divine  Master,  leading  her  into  labors  most  ardu- 


SLIZASESB  FBT. 


{fas  painful,  from  which  her  nature  recoiled  with  dread. 
SjBt.was  the  unction  of  holy  love  so  abundantly  poured  out 
upon^lEer  spuit  that"  she  willingly  yielded  to  the  appoint- 
men&J  that  compassionate  Saviour  who,  thi-ough  her  in- 
etruioentality,  was  thus  graciously  extending  His  hand  of 
mercy,  in  order  to  rescue  from  the  pit  of  destruction  those 
who  j?6re  sunls     vice  and  wretchedness." 

"Mildti^J's  Court,  Second  Month,  24«A,  (1817).— I  have 
lately  toeen  much  occupied  in  forming  a  school  in  Newgate 
for  the  children  of  the  poor  prisoners,  as  well  as  the  young 
crimina^jiwhich.has  brought  much  peace  and  satisfaction 
with  if ;  .but  iBjIniind  has  also,  been  deeply  effected  in  at- 
tending a  poor  woman  who  was  executed  this  morning.  I 
visited  her  twice.  This  event  has  brought  me  into  much 
feeling,  attended  with  some  distressingly  nervous  sensations 
in  the  night,  so  that  this  has  been  a  time  of  deep  humilia- 
tion to  me,  thus  witnessing  the  effect  and  consequences  of 
ein.  ,  This  poor  creatui-e  murdered  her  baby;  and  how  in- 
expressibly awful  now  to  have  her  own  life  taken  away! 
The  whole  affair  has  been  truly  afflicting  to  me ;  to  see  what 
poor  mortals' may  be  driven  to  through  sin  and  transgres- 
sion, and  how  hai'd  the  heart  becomes  even  to  the  most  ten- 
der affections.  How  should  we  watch  and  pray  that  we  fall 
not  by  little  and  little,  become  hardened  and  commit  greater 
sins.  I  had  to  pray  for  these  poor  sinners  this  morning, 
and  also  for  the  preservation  of  our  household  from  thg 
evil  there  is  in  the  world. " 

Extract  from  a  letter  to  her  sister,  Bachel  Gurney:— 

Mildred's  Court,  Third  Month,  lOiA  and  11th. — My 
heart  and  mind  and  time  are  very  much  engaged  in  various 
ways.  Newgate  is  the  principal  object,  and  I  think  until  X 
make  some  attempt  at  amendment  in  the  plans  for  th^ 
women,  I  shall  not  feel  easy;  but  if  such  efforts  shoul(J 
prove  unsuccessful,  I  think  that  I  should  then  have  tried  to 


KEWOATE. 


12» 


do  my  part  and  be  easy.  .  .  .  The  poor  occupy  me  lit- 
tle more  than  at  the  door,  as  I  cannot  go  after  them,  with 
my  other  engagements.  The  hanging  at  Newgate  does  not 
overcome  me  as  it  did  at  first,  and  I  have  only  attended 
one  woman  since  the  first.  I  see  and  feel  the  necessity  of 
caution  in  this  respect,  and  mean  to  be  on  my  guard  about 
it,  and  run  no  undue  risk  with  myself." 

Mrs.  Fry's  method  of  reform  seems  to  have  been  original 
with  herself.  In  commencing  her  experiment,  she  re- 
quested to  be  left  alone  with  the  prisoners.  After  asking 
their  attention  she  read  the  parable  of  the  Lord  of  the  vine- 
yard, and  made  some  remarks  upon  the  subject  which 
called  forth  expressions  from  a  few  of  them.  Some  asked 
who  Christ  was,  and  others  feai'ed  that  their  day  of  salva- 
tion was  passed.  She  then  "addi-essed  herself  to  the 
mothers,  and  pointed  out  to  them  the  grievous  consequen- 
ces to  their  children  of  living  in  such  a  scene  of  depravity, 
and  proposed  to  establish  a  school  for  them,  to  which  they 
acceded  with  tears  of  joy.  She  desu'ed  them  to  consider 
the  plan,  for  without  their  steady  co-operation  she  would 
not  undertake  it — leaving  it  to  them  to  select  a  governess 
Erom  among  themselves." 

"  On  her  next  visit  they  had  chosen  as  school-mistress  a 
young  woman  named  Mary  Conner,  recently  committed  for 
stealing  a  watch.  She  proved  eminently  qualified  for  the 
task,  and  became  one  of  the  first  fruits  of  Christian  labor  in 
that  place ;  she  was  assiduous  in  her  duties,  and  was  never 
known  to  infringe  one  of  the  rules.  A  free  pardon  was 
granted  her  about  fifteen  months  afterwards;  but  this 
proved  an  unavailing  gift,  for  a  cough  which  had  attacked 
iier  a  short  time  previously,  ended  in  consumption." 


126 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


Elizabetli  Fry  was  soon  surrounded  by  a  company  oi 
earnest  co-workers,  and  received  liberal  aid  and  encourage« 
ment  from  the  authorities  and  officers  of  the  prison,  although 
they  at  first  looked  upon  the  experiment  as  hopeless  and 
even  visionary.  An  unoccupied  cell  was  assigned  for  the 
Bchool-room ;  and  Mrs.  Fry  accompanied  by  Mary  Sander- 
son and  the  teacher  elect,  opened  the  school  for  children 
and  persons  under  twenty-five  years  of  age.  Many  older 
ones  earnestly  entreated  permission  to  share  in  the  instruc- 
tions, but  the  small  size  of  the  room  forbade.  Mai'y  San- 
derson, then  visiting  the  prison  for  the  first  time,  thus  de- 
scribes her  impressions. 

"  The  railing  was  crowded  witn  half -naked  women  strug- 
gliag  together  for  the  front  situations,  with  the  most  bois- 
terous violence,  and  begging  with  the  utmost  vociferation. 
I  felt  as  if  I  were  going  into  a  den  of  wild  beasts,  and  well 
recollect  shuddering  when  the  door  closed  upon  me,  and  I 
was  locked  in  with  such  a  herd  of  novel  and  desperate 
companions." 

In  her  evidence,  subsequently  given  before  the  House  of 
Commons,  Mrs.  Fry  made  this  statement,  "  It  was  in  our 
visits  to  the  school,  where  some  of  us  attended  almost  every 
day,  that  we  were  witnesses  to  the  di-eadful  proceedings 
that  went  forward  on  the  female  side  of  the  prison;  the 
begging,  swearing,  gaming,  fighting,  singing,  dancing, 
dressing-up  in  men's  clothes, — scenes  too  bad  to  be  de- 
scribed, so  that  we  did  not  think  it  suitable  to  admit  young 
persons  with  us." 

One  of  the  strong  characteristics  of  Elizabeth  Fry  waa 
now  called  into  requisition.   Her  perseverance  was  equal  to 


NEWGATE. 


127 


the  heavy  demand  made  upon  it.  She  encouraged  her 
friends  and  continued  to  enlist  others  in  the  enterprise  untD 
in  April,  1817,  "An  Association  for  the  Improvement  of  the 
Female  Prisoners  in  Newgate "  was  formed,  consisting  of 
eleven  members  of  the  Society  of  Friends  and  the  wife  of  a 
clergyman.  Theii*  object  was  stated  to  be,  "To  provide  for 
the  clothing,  the  instruction  and  the  employment  of  the 
women ;  to  introduce  them  to  a  knowledge  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  and  to  form  in  them,  as  much  as  possible,  those 
habits  of  order,  sobriety  and  industry  which  may  render 
them  peaceable,  whilst  in  prison,  and  respectable  when  they 
leave  it." 

An  interview  was  had  with  the  prisoners,  in  presence  of 
the  sheriff  and  other  officers  of  the  prison.  Elizabeth  Fry 
asked  them  if  they  were  willing  "  to  abide  by  the  rules 
which  it  would  be  indispensable  to  establish  among  them 
for  the  accomplishment  of  the  object  so  much  desired  by 
them  all.  The  women  fully  and  unanimously  assured  her 
of  their  determination  to  obey  them  strictly.  The  sheriffs 
also  addressed  them,  giving  the  plan  the  countenance  of 
iheir  approbation ;  and  then  tvurning  to  Elizabeth.  Fry  and 
her  companions,  one  of  them  said,  *'Well  ladies,  you  see 
your  material.' 

"  How  they  used  these  '  materials '  and  the  blessing  per- 
mitted to  attend  their  exertions  is  demonstrated  by  a  letter 
received  in  1820  from  one  of  the  prisoners  then  present." 

To  Mrs.  Fry. 

"I'aramatta,  New  South  Wales,  July  10th,  1820. 
**HoNOBED  Madam,— 
«  The  duty  I  owe  to  you,  likewise  to  the  benevolent  So- 


128 


ELIZABETH  FR?. 


ciety  to  wWcli  you  have  the  honor  to  belong,  compels  me  to 
take  up  my  pen  to  return  to  you  my  most  sincere  thanks  for 
the  heavenly  instruction  I  derived  from  you  and  the  dear 
friends  dm'ing  my  confinement  in  Newgate. 

"In  the  month  of  April  1817  how  did  that  blessed  prayer 
of  yours  sink  into  my  heart ;  and  as  you  said  so  have  I 
found  it,  that  when  no  eyes  see  and  no  ears  hear,  God  both 
sees  and  hears ;  and  then  it  was  that  the  arrow  of  convic- 
tion entered  my  hard  heart ;  and  in  Newgate  it  was  that  poor 

Han-iet  S  ,  like  the  prodigal  son,  came  to  herself,  and 

took  with  her  words,  and  sought  the  Lord ;  and  truly  can  I 
say  with  David,  '  Before  I  was  afflicted  I  went  astray,  but 
now  have  I  learned  Thy  ways  OLord ! '  And  although  afflic- 
tion Cometh  not  forth  of  the  dust  yet  how  prone  have  I  been 
to  forget  God,  my  Maker,  who  can  give  songs  in  the  night; 
and  happy  is  that  soul  that  when  affliction  comes  can  say 
with  Eli,  '  It  is  the  Lord,'  or  with  David,  '  I  was  dumb  and 
opened  not  my  mouth  because  Thou  didsj;  it ; '  and  Job, 
when  stripped  of  every  comfort,  '  Blessed  be  the  Lord  who 
took  away  as  well  as  gave,' — and  may  the  Lord  grant  every 
one  that  is  afflicted  such  an  humble  spirit  as  theirs.  Be- 
lieve me,  my  dear  madam,  I  bless  the  day  that  brought  me 
inside  of  Newgate  walls,  for  then  it  was  that  the  rays  of 
Divine  truth  shone  into  my  dark  mind ;  and  may  the  Holy 
Spirit  shine  more  and  more  upon  my  dark  understanding, 
that  I  may  be  enabled  so  to  walk  as  one  whose  heart  is  set 
to  seek  a  city  whose  builder  and  maker  is  God.  Believe  me, 
my  dear  madam,  although  I  am  a  poor  captive  in  a  distant 
land,  I  would  not  give  up  having  communion  with  God  one 
single  day  for  my  liberty ;  for  what  is  liberty  of  the  body 
compared  with  liberty  of  the  soul !  and  soon  will  that  time 
conae  when  death  will  release  me  from  all  the  earthly  fet- 
ters that  hold  me  now,  for  I  trust  to  be  with  Christ  who 
bought  me  with  His  precious  blood.  And  now  my  dear 
madam,  these  few  sincere  sentiments  of  mine  I  vsish  you  to 
make  known  to  the  world,  that  the  world  may  see  that  your 


NBWOATB. 


129 


fabor  in  Newgate  has  not  been  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  Fleaso 
give  my  love  to  all  the  dear  friends,  and  Dr.  Cotton,  Mr. 
Baker,  Simpson  and  all,  the  keeper  of  Newgate,  and  all  the 
afflicted  prisoners ;  and  although  we  may  never  meet  on  earth 
again  I  hope  we  shall  all  meet  in  the  realms  of  bliss  never  to 
part  again.  Please  give  my  love  to  Mrs.  Stornett  and 
Mrs.  Guy.  "  And  believe  me  to  remain 

"  Your  humble  servant, 

"Harriets  — i-."  , 

The  next  step  was  to  provide  employment.  This  part 
of  the  history  may  best  be  given  in  the  words  of  Sir  T.  F. 
Buxton,  "whose  exertions  to  benefit  these  'outcasts  of  the 
people '  were  only  excelled  by  hers  of  whom  he  wrote." 

"  It  struck  one  of  the  ladies  that  Botany  Bay  might  be 
supplied  with  stockings,  and  indeed  all  articles  of  clothing, 
of  the  prisoners'  manufacture.  She  therefore  called  upon 
Messrs.  Eichard  Dixon  &  Co.,  of  Fenchurch  Street,  and 
candidly  told  them  that  she  was  desirous  of  depriving  them 
of  this  branch  of  their  trade,  and  stating  her  views  begged 
Iheir  advice.  They  said  at  once  that  they  should  not  ia 
any  way  obstruct  such  laudable  designs,  and  that  no  further 
trouble  need  be  taken  to  provide  work,  for  they  would  en- 
engage  to  do  it.  Nothing  now  remained  but  to  prepare 
the  room ;  and  this  difficulty  was  obviated  by  the  sheriffs 
sending  their  carpenters.  The  former  laundry  speedily  un- 
derwent the  necessary  alterations,  was  cleansed  and  white- 
washed, and  in  a  few  days  the  Ladies'  Committee  assembled 
in  it  all  the  tried  female  prisoners.  One  of  the  ladies,  Mrs. 
Fry,  began  by  describing  to  them  the  comforts  to  be  de- 
rived from  industry  and  sobriety,  the  pleasure  and  profit 
of  doing  right,  and  contrasted  the  happiness  and  peace  of 
Uiose  who  are  dedicated  to  a  course  of  virtue  and  religion 
with  that  experienced  in  their  former  life,  and  its  present 


130 


ELIZABETH  FBV. 


consequences  ;  and  describing  their  awful  guilt  in  the  sight 
of  God  appealed  to  themselves,  whether  its  wages,  even 
here,  were  not  utter  misery  and  ruin.  She  then  dwelt  upon 
the  motives  which  had  brought  the  ladies  into  Newgate: 
they  had  left  their  homes  and  their  families  to  mingle 
amongst  those  from  whom  all  others  fled,  animated  by  an 
ardent  and  affectionate  desire  to  rescue  their  fellow- 
creatui-es  from  evil,  and  to  impart  to  them  that  knowledge 
which  they,  from  their  education  and  cu'cumstances  had 
been  so  happy  as  to  receive. 

"She  then  told  them  that  the  ladies  did  not  come  with 
any  absolute  and  authoritative  pretensions ;  that  it  was  not 
intended  they  should  command  and  the  prisoners  obey; 
but  that  it  was  to  be  understood  all  were  to  act  in  concert ; 
that  not  a  rule  should  be  made,  or  a  monitor  appointed 
without  their  full  and  unanimous  concurrence ;  that  for  this 
purpose  each  of  the  rules  should  be  read  and  put  to  the 
vote ;  and  she  invited  those  who  might  feel  any  disinclina- 
tion to  any  particular,  freely  to  state  their  opinion.  The 
following  were  then  read: 

BITLXS. 

"1.  That  a  matron  be  appointed  for  the  general  superin- 
tendence of  the  women. 

2.  That  the  women  be  engaged  in  needlework,  knitting, 
or  any  other  suitable  employment. 

«'  3.  That  there  be  no  begging,  swearing,  gaming,  card- 
playing,  or  immoral  conversation.  That  all  novels,  playa 
end  other  improper  books  be  excluded;  and  that  all  bad 
words  be  avoided  ;  and  any  default  in  these  particulai-s  ba 
reported  to  the  matron. 

*'  4.  That  there  be  a  yard-keeper  chosen  from  among  the 
women,  to  inform  them  when  their  friends  come,  to  sea 
that  they  leave  their  work  with  a  monitor  when  they  go  to 
the  grating,  and  that  they  do  not  spend  any  time  there,  ex< 


KEWGATK. 


131 


cept  with  their  friends.  If  any  woman  be  found  disobe- 
dient in  these  respects,  the  yard-keeper  is  to  report  the  case 
to  the  matron. 

"5.  That  the  women  be  divided  into  classes  of  not  more 
than  twelve,  and  that  a  monitor  be  appointed  to  each  class. 

"6.  That  monitors  be  chosen  from  among  the  most 
orderly  of  the  women  that  can  read,  to  superintend  the 
work  and  conduct  of  tbe  others. 

"  7.  That  the  monitors  not  only  overlook  the  women  in 
their  own  classes,  but  if  they  observe  any  others  disobey- 
ing the  rules,  that  they  inform  the  monitor  of  the  class  to 
which  such  persons  belong,  who  is  immediately  to  report  to 
the  matron,  and  the  deviations  to  be  set  down  on  a  slate. 

"8.  That  any  monitor  breaking  the  rules  shall  be  dis« 
missed  from  her  office  and  the  most  suitable  in  the  class 
selected  to  take  her  place. 

"  9.  That  the  monitors  be  particularly  careful  to  see  that 
the  women  come  with  clean  hands  and  face  to  their  work, 
and  that  they  are  quiet  during  their  employment. 

"  10.  That  at  the  ringing  of  the  bell,  at  nine  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  the  women  collect  in  the  work-room  to  hear  a 
portion  of  Scripture  read  by  one  of  the  visitors,  or  the  ma- 
tron ;  and  that  the  monitors  afterwards  conduct  the  classes 
Erom  thence  to  their  respective  wards  in  an  orderly  manner. 

"  11.  That  the  women  be  again  collected  for  reading  at 
six  o'clock  in  the  evening,  when  the  work  shall  be  given  in 
charge  to  the  matron  by  the  monitors. 

"  12.  That  the  matron  keep  an  exact  account  of  the  work 
done  by  the  women,  and  of  their  conduct. 

"As  each  was  proposed  every  baud  was  held  up  in 
token  of  their  approbation.  In  the  same  manner,  and 
with  the  same  formalities,  each  of  the  monitors  was  pro- 
posed, and  all  were  unanimously  approved.  When  this 
business  was  concluded  one  of  the  visitors  read  aloud  the 
twenty-first  chapter  of  St.  Matthew,  the  parable  of  the  bar. 
ten  fig-tree  seeming  applicable  to  the  state  of  the  audience ; 


182 


BLIZABETB  FBT. 


after  a  period  of  silence,  according  to  the  custom  of  the 
Society  of  Friends,  the  monitors  with  their  classes  with- 
drew to  their  respective  wards  in  the  most  orderly  manner. 

"During  the  first  month  the  ladies  were  anxious  that  the 
attempt  should  be  secret,  that  it  might  meet  with  no  inter* 
ruption ;  at  the  end  of  that  time,  as  the  experiment  had 
been  tried,  and  "had  exceeded  even  their  expectation,  it  was 
deemed  expedient  to  apply  to  the  Corporation  of  London. 
It  was  considered  that  the  school  would  be  more  permanent 
if  it  were  made  a  part  of  the  prison  system  of  the  City,  than 
if  it  merely  depended  on  individuals.  In  consequence  a 
short  letter  descriptive  of  the  progress  already  made  was 
mitten  to  the  sheriffs.. 

"The  next  day  an  answer  was  received  proposing  a  meet* 
ing  with  the  ladies  at  Newgate.. 

"  In  compliance  with  this  appointment  the  Lord  Mayor, 
the  sheriffs,  and  several  of  the  Aldermen  attended.  The 
prisoners  were  assembled  together;  and  it  being  requested 
that  no  alteration  in  their  usual  practice  might  take  place, 
one  of  the  ladies  read  a  chapter  in  the  Bible,  and  then  the 
females  proceeded  to  their  various  avocations.  Their  atten- 
tion during  the  time  of  reading,  their  orderly  and  sober  de- 
portment, their  decent  dress,  the  absence  of  every  thing  like 
tumult,  noise  or  contention,  the  obedience  and  respect  shown 
by  them,  and  the  cheerfulness  visible  in  their  countenance 
and  manners,  conspired  to  excite  the  astonishment  and  ad- 
miration of  their  visitors.  Many  of  these  knew  Newgate, 
had  visited  it  a  few  months  before,  and  had  not  forgotten 
the  painful  impression  made  by  a  scene  exhibiting  perhaps 
the  very  utmost  limits  of  misery  and  guilt. 

"The  magistrates,  to  evince  their  sense  of  the  importance 
pf  the  alterations  which  had  been  effected,  immediately 
adopted  the  whole  plan  as  a  part  of  the  system  of  Newgate, 
(^^owered  the  ladies  to  punish  the  refractory  by  short  con- 
finement, undertook  part  of  the  expense  of  the  matron,  and 
(loaded  the  ladies  with  thanks  and  benedictions. 


NEWGATE. 


133 


"About  six  months  after  the  establishment  of  the  school 
for  the  children,  and  the  manufactory  for  the  tried  side,  the 
committee  received  a  most  urgent  petition  from  the  un- 
tried, entreating  that  the  same  might  be  done  for  them,  and 
promising  strict  obedience.  In  consequence  the  ladies 
made  the  same  arrangements,  proposed  the  same  rules,  and 
admitted  in  the  same  manner  as  on  the  other  side,  the  pris- 
oners to  participate  in  their  formations.  The  experiment 
here  has  answered,  but  not  to  the  same  extent.  They  have 
had  difficulty  in  procming  a  sufficiency  of  work ;  the  pris- 
oners are  not  so  disposed  to  work,  flattering  themselves 
with  the  prospect  of  speedy  release ;  besides  they  are  neces- 
sarily engaged  in  some  degree  in  preparation  for  their  trial. 
The  result  of  the  observations  of  the  ladies  has  been,  that 
where  the  prisoners,  from  whatever  cause,  did  no  woi'k, 
they  derived  little  if  any  moral  advantage ;  where  they  did 
some  work  they  received  some  benefit,  and  where  they  were 
fully  engaged  they  were  really  an  J  essentially  improved." 

The  reform  prospered  steadily  and  continued  to  attract 
public  attention,  until  people  came  from  all  parts  of  the 
country  to  witness  what  soon  became  one  of  the  greatest 
curiosities  of  London.  But  we  must  pause  to  get  an  inside 
view  of  the  mind  which  was  the  leading  instrument  in  this 
beneficent  enterprise. 

"Mildred's  Court,  Twelfth  Month,  11  th. — remarkable 
blessing  still  appears  to  accompany  my  prison  concerns,— 
perhaps  the  greatest  apparent  blessing  on  my  deeds  that 
ever  attended  me.  How  have  the  spirits  both  of  those  ia 
power  and  the  poor  afflicted  prisoners  appeared  to  be  sub- 
jected, and  how  has  the  work  gone  on!  Most  assuredly  the 
power  and  the  glory  are  alone  due  to  the  Author  and  Fin- 
isher of  every  good  work. 

"Mildred's  Court,  1818.— Lord  be  pleased  to  grant  the 


134 


ELIZABETH  FB7. 


blessing  of  preservation  wlncli  is  above  every  blessing.  It 
is  very  striking  and  wonderful  to  me  to  observe  how  some 
things  have  been  verified  that,  in  times  of  great  lownesa 
and  unutterable  distress,  I  have  been  led  to  believe  woal  d 
happen ;  in  reading  the  142nd  Psalm  these  words  particu- 
larly— 'The  righteous  shall  compass  me  about,  for  Thou 
shalt  deal  bountifully  with  me.'  Has  not  this  been,  and  is 
it  not  now,  remarkably  verified,  by  those  filUng  almost  the 
highest  stations  to  the  lowest ;  by  persons  of  ahnost  all  de- 
nominations have  I  not  been  compassed  about  ?  My  prison 
concerns  have  thus  brought  me,  a  poor  and  very  unworthy 
creature,  into  public  notice,  and  I  may  most  humbly  adopt 
this  language  of  the  71st  Psalm,  'I  am  as  a  wonder  unto 
many,  but  Thou  art  my  strong  Refuge.  Oh!  let  my  mouth 
be  filled  with  Thy  praise,  and  with  Thy  honor  all  the  day : ' 
but,  O  Lord !  merciful  and  gracious,  Thou  who  knowest 
the  heart  and  its  wanderings,  and  also  its  pantings  after 
Thyself,  be  pleased  yet  to  manifest  Thyself  to  be  a  God 
hearing  and  answering  prayer.  Thou  hast,  in  times  of  deep 
adversity  and  great  affliction,  when  the  heart  of  Thy  hand- 
maid was  ready  to  say  Kefuge  failed  her.  Thou  hast  then 
been  her  Stronghold,  her  Rock  and  her  Fortress ;  so  that 
she  has  not  been  greatly  moved  nor  overcome  by  her  soul'a 
enemy.  Be  pleased,  most  merciful  and  gracious  Lord  God 
A.lmighty,  now  to  keep  her  in  the  day  of  prosperity,  when 
the  righteous  compass  her  about,  that  she  may  be  for  a  time 
even  as  a  wonder  to  many.  Keep  her,  O  Lord,  even  as  in 
Thine  own  Almighty  hand,  that  no  evil  befall  her,  nor  any 
plague  come  nigh  her  dwelling  ;  and  as  Thou  hast,  so  far 
in  Thine  abundant  mercy  and  loving  kindness  delivered  her 
soul  from  death,  oh  be  pleased  to  keep  her  feet  from  falling! 
hold  up  her  goings  in  Thy  paths,  that  her  footsteps  shp 
not ;  and  increasingly  enable  her,  at  all  times,  under  all  cir- 
cumstances, in  heights  and  in  depths,  in  life  and  in  death, 
to  show  forth  Thy  praise,  to  walk  faithfully  and  circum- 
spectly before  Thee,  obeying  Thee  in  all  things,  in  Thy  fear 


HEWOATS. 


135 


and  in  Thy  love ;  abounding  in  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus ; 
ever  giving  Thee,  O  Lord  God  on  High,  vs^ith  Christ  Jesus 
our  Lord,  and  Thy  Holy  Spirit  our  Comforter,  one  God, 
blessed  forever,  the  glory  due  unto  Thee,  now  in  time,  and 
in  an  endless  eternity.    Amen,  amen." 

Let  us  observe,  as  we  go  along,  how  well  this  prayer 
was  answered ;  with  what  perfect  grace  she  was  enabled  to 
keep  her  heart  to  its  first  love,  and  her  feet  in  the  path 
of  Divine  appointment,  while  princes  and  nobles  of  the 
earth  were  paying  her  the  most  flattering  honors. 

"  During  this  winter  she  received  many  letters  of  inquiry 
from  different  parts  of  the  country  in  relation  to  the  system 
pursued  in  Newgate ;  ladies  wished  to  form  similar  associa- 
tions ;  magistrates  wished  to  improve  the  state  of  prisoners 
under  their  control,  &c.,  &c.,  and  all  these  required  minute 
and  carefully  considered  replies.  Some  of  the  most  distin 
guished  and  influential  persons  in  the  kingdom  were  anx- 
ious to  witness  for  themselves  what  had  been  done  in  the 
prisons,  and  a  part  of  almost  every  day  was  spent  in  accom- 
panying such  parties  thither.  Many  were  asking  for  coun- 
Bel,  others  for  employment  which  they  supposed  Elizabeth 
Fry  could  obtain  for  them ;  and  almost  constant  applica- 
tions from  the  poor  who  thought  her  purse  as  inexhausti- 
ble as  her  good  will,  '  humbly  praying '  for  assistance.  Her 
benevolent  feelings  would  hardly  suffer  any  of  these  to 
pass  unheeded;  and  her  daughters,  the  oldest  of  whom  was 
in  her  seventeenth  year  proved  efficient  helpers  in  answer- 
ing the  demands. 

"During  the  former  period  it  had  been  the  practice  for 
convicts  on  the  night  preceding  their  departure  for  Botany 
Bay,  (where  they  were  transported  for  certain  crimes,)  to 
pull  down  and  break  or  burn  everything  within  their  reach ; 
and  to  go  off  shouting  with  the  most  hardened  effrontery. 


186 


BUZABBTH  FBT. 


But  when  the  last  went  out  they  took  an  affectionate  leave 
of  their  companions,  and  expressed  the  utmost  gratitude  to 
their  benefactors,  and  the  next  day  entered  their  conveyances 
peaceably ;  and  their  departure,  in  the  tears  that  were  shed 
and  the  mournful  decorum  that  was  observed,  resembled  a 
funeral  procession ;  and  so  orderly  was  their  behavior  that 
it  was  deemed  unnecessary  to  send  more  than  half  the  usual 
escort.  As  a  proof  that  moral  and  religious  instruction 
had  produced  some  effect  upon  their  minds,  when  these 
poor  creatures  were  going,  those  who  remained  entreated 
that  their  share  of  the  profits  (a  little  fund  they  were  al- 
lowed to  collect  for  themselves,  kept  in  a  box  under  the 
care  of  the  Ladies  Committee)  might  all  be  given  to  thoso 
who  were  about  to  leave  them. 

"In  ten  months  after  the  working  system  had  been  in- 
troduced the  women  had  made  nearly  twenty  thousand  ar- 
ticles of  clothing,  and  their  knitting  produced  from  sixty  to 
a  hundred  pairs  of  socks  and  stockings  every  month. 
Their  earnings  averaged  about  eighteen  pence  per  week  for 
each  one." 

"Elizabeth  Fry  was  informed  that  some  were  still  gam> 
lug  in  the  prison.  She  went  alone,  assembled  the  prisonera 
and  told  them  what  she  had  heard, — that  she  feared  it  was 
true,  dwelt  upon  the  sin  of  gaming,  its  evil  effects  upon  their 
minds,  the  interruption  it  caused,  and  the  distaste  it  excited 
for  labor,  told  them  how  much  the  report  had  grieved  her 
and  said  '  She  would  consider  it  a  proof  of  their  regard  il 
they  would  have  the  candor  and  kindness  to  bring  the  cards 
to  her.'  She  did  not  expect  that  they  would  do  it,  as  it 
would  be  betraying  themselves.  But  soon  after  she  had  re- 
tired to  the  ladies' room  there  was  a  gentle  tap  at  the  door, 
and  in  came  a  trembling  girl  who,  in  a  maimer  that  indicate4 
tjeal  feeling,  expressed  her  sorrow  for  having  broken  th^ 
fules  of  so  kind  a  friend,  and  presented  her  pack  of  cardSji 
She  was  soon  followed  by  another  and  another,  until  Eliza- 
beth Fry  had/received  five  packs  which  she  btii'tit  in  their 


1 


HBWOATB. 


137 


presence ;  assuring  them  that  so  far  from  its  being  remem- 

beied  against  them  she  should  'remember  it  in  another  way.' 
A  few  days  after  this  she  took  with  her  some  presents  ot 
clothes,  and  calling  the  first  one  gave  her  a  neat  muslin 
handkerchief.  To  her  surprise  the  girl  said  she  hoped  Eli- 
zabeth Fry  would  excuse  her  being  so  forward,  but  if  she 
might  say  it  she  felt  exceedingly  disappointed-  She  had 
hoped  that  Elizabeth  Fry  would  have  given  her  a  Bible 
with  her  own  name  written  in  it,  which  she  would  value  be- 
yond anything  else  and  would  always  keep  it  and  read  ii 
This  was  irresistible.  The  treasure  so  much  desired  was 
brought,  and  Elizabeth  Fry  assured  a  friend  that  she  never 
gave  a  Bible  which  was  received  with  so  much  interest  and 
satisfaction,  nor  one  that  she  thought  more  likely  to  do 
good.  This  had  been  one  of  the  worst  of  guls,  and  had 
behaved  very  badly  upon  her  trial;  but  she  conducted  her- 
self afterwards  in  so  amiable  a  manner  that  she  appeared 
*  almost  without  a  flaw,'  and  it  was  hoped  *  would  become  a 
valuable  member  of  society.' "  * 

On  the  27th  of  Feb.  1818,  Mrs.  Fry  was  called  upon  to 
give  evidence  before  a  Committee  of  the  House  of  Com- 
mons, in  the  course  of  which  she  said,  "  Our  habit  is  con- 
stantly to  read  the  Scriptures  to  them  twice  a  day — ^many 
of  them  are  taught,  some  can  read  a  little  themselves.  It 
has  an  astonishing  effect;  I  never  saw  the  Scriptures  re- 
ceived in  the  same  way.  When  I  have  sometimes  gone  and 
said  it  was  my  intention  to  read,  they  would  flock  up  staira 
after  me,  as  if  it  were  a  great  pleasure  I  had  to  oflfer  them." 

When  asked  by  the  Committee  if  the  ladies  confined 
themselves  to  the  reading  of  the  Scriptures  without  incul  - 
eating  any  peculiar  doctrines  Mrs.  Fry  replied, — "We  con- 


•  Life  by  S.  Corder. 


138 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


sider  from  the  situation  we  fill,  as  it  respects  the  public,  aa 
well  as  the  poor  creatures  themselves,  that  it  would  be 
highly  indecorous  to  press  any  peculiar  doctrine  of  any 
kind, — anything  beyond  the  fundamental  doctrines  of  Scrip- 
tui-e." 

It  was  mentioned  to  her  that  one  of  tLo  prisoners  had 
said  it  was  "  more  terrible  to  be  brought  up  before  ISlrs. 
Fry,  than  before  the  judge ; "  on  which  she  remarked : — "  I 
think  I  may  say  we  have  full  power  among  them,  though 
we  use  nothing  but  kindness.  I  have  never  proposed  a 
punishment,  and  yet  I  think  it  is  impossible,  in  a  well  regu- 
lated house,  to  have  rules  more  strictly  attended  to  thaa 
they  are." 

"When  askcxl  if  she  thought  any  reformation  could  be 
effected  without  employment,  she  replied,  "I  should  believe 
it  impossible.  We  may  instruct  as  we  will,  but  if  we  allow 
them  their  time,  and  they  have  nothing  to  do,  they  natu- 
rally must  return  to  their  evil  passions." 

The  report  of  the  Parliamentary  Committee  contains  the 
following  sentence : — "  The  benevolent  exertions  of  Mrs. 
Fry  and  her  friends,  in  the  female  department  of  the  prison, 
have  indeed,  by  the  establishment  of  a  school,  by  providing 
work  and  encouraging  industrious  habits,  produced  a  most 
gratifying  change.  But  much  must  be  ascribed  to  urn-emit- 
ting perSbual  attention  and  influence."' 

The  duties  of  this  poSiliMj!^  however,  were  by  no  means  all 
of  an  agreeable  kind.  The  severity  of  English  law  at  this 
time,  which  made  every  degree  of  forgery,  as  well  as  many 
other  secondary  offenses  punishable  with  death,  rendered 
executions  terribly  frequent.   It  is  estimated  that  had  the 


REWOATB. 


139 


laws  been  carried  fully  into  effect,  they  would  have  required 
an  average  of  more  than  four  executions  per  day  in  Great 
Britain  and  Ireland.  Almost  every  device  was  resorted  to 
by  the  humane  among  the  oflScers  and  courts  to  evade  these 
sanguinary  enactments. 

Elizabeth  Fry  was  among  the  earliest  to  express  effectively 
her  disapproval  of  these  unchristian  statutes.  She  felt  the 
wrong  with  great  keenness  when  unfortunate  women,  often 
misled  by  worse  companions  were  compelled  to  answer  for 
some  not  unpardonable  act  of  dishonesty  with  their  lives  i 
and  the  more  especially  after  her  labors  with  them  had 
brought  repentance.  A  sad  case  of  this  kind  occurred 
about  the  time  we  are  speaking  of,  February,  1818,  when 
two  women  were  executed  for  forgery.  At  six  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  one  of  them  addressed  the  following  letter  to 
Ehzabeth  Fry: 

"Honored  Madam: — 

^  As  the  only  way  of  expressing  my  gratitude  to  you  foi 
your  very  great  attention  to  the  care  of  my  poor  soul, — I 
feel  I  may  have  appeared  more  silent  than  perhaps  some 
would  have  been  on  so  melancholy  an  event ;  but  believe 
me,  my  dear  madam,  I  have  felt  most  acutely  the  awful 
situation  I  have  been  in.  The  mercies  of  God  are  bound- 
less, and  I  trust,  through  His  grace  this  affliction  is  sancti- 
fied to  me,  and  through  the  Saviour's  blood  my  sins  will  be 
washed  away.  I  have  much  to  be  thankful  for ;  I  feel  such 
serenity  of  mind  and  fortitude.  God  of  His  infinite  mercy 
grant  I  may  feel  as  I  do  now  in  the  last  moments!  Pray, 
madam,  present  my  most  grateful  thanks  to  the  worthy  Dr. 
Cotton  and  Mr.  Baker,  and  all  our  kind  friends,  the  ladies, 
and  Mrs.  Guy.  It  was  a  feeling  I  had  of  my  own  unworthi- 
ness  made  me  more  diffident  of  speaking  as  was  perhaps 


140 


XIIZABETE  VBT. 


looked  for.  I  once  more  return  yoa  my  most  grateful 
thanks.  It  is  now  past  six  o'clock.  I  have  not  one  moment 
to  spare.  I  must  devote  the  remainder  to  the  service  of 
my  offended  God. 

With  respect  your  humble  servant, 

Chaelottb  Newman." 

On  the  same  day  she  received  the  following  letter  from 
Wniiam  Wilberforce : 

"  Kensington  Gore,  llth.  Feb.^  1818. 
«Mv  DEAB  Madam: — 

I  think  I  need  not  assure  you  that  I  have  not  forgotten 
you  this  morning.  In  truth,  having  been  awake  very  early, 
and,  lying  in  peace  and  comfort  and  safety,  the  dififerent 
situation  of  the  poor  women  impressed  itself  strongly  oo 
my  mind. 

"I  shall  be  glad,  and  Mrs.  Wilberforce  also,  I  assure  you, 
to  hear  that  your  bodily  health  has  not  suffered  from  your 
mental  anxiety,  and  I  will  try  to  get  a  sight  of  you  when  I 
can,  to  hear  your  account  and  remarks  on  the  effects  of  the 
last  few  days,  both  on  the  poor  objects  themselves  and  the 
prison  companions. 

"With  real  esteem  and  regard,  I  am,  my  dear  Madam 

"  Yours  very  sincerely, 

"W.  WiLBEBi'OBOB.'* 

A  still  sadder  case  than  the  above  is  thus  recorded  on 
page  275  of  Mrs.  Corder's  biography,  abbreviated  from  the 
original  account.. 

"During  the  spring  of  this  year  executions  had  become 
BO  frequent  that  they  were  made  subjects  for  investigation 
and  for  public  as  well  as  private  discussion.  The  sanguin- 
ary provisions  of  the  penal  code  were  beheld  with  a  senti> 


KEWOATE. 


ment  of  disapprobation,  and  even  abhorrence,  before  unfelt. 

The  wretched  tenants  of  the  'condemned  cells,' after  having 
received  the  sentence  of  death  at  the  Old  Bailey,  awaited, 
with  mingled  hope  and  fear,  the  decision  of  the  Council,  by 
whom  some  were  selected  for  mercy,  leaving  the  others  to 
suffer  the  extreme  penalty  of  the  law.  No  reasons  were  as- 
signed by  the  CouncU  for  this  distinction ;  each  one  there- 
fore hoped  to  escape  the  dreadful  doom. 

"Among  those  who  were  waiting  in  this  state  ot  terrible 
suspense  was  a  young  woman  named  Harriet  Skeltou. 
There  was  something  peculiarly  touching  in  the  case  of  this 
poor  creature.  *A  child  might  have  read  her  character  in 
her  countenance — open,  confiding,  affectionate,  possessing 
strong  feelings,  but  neither  hardened  in  depravity  nor  capa« 
ble  of  cunning.'  Under  the  influence  of  the  man  whom  she 
loved  she  had  been  induced  to  pass  some  forged  notes: 
*  thus  adding  another  to  the  dismal  list  of  those  who,  with 
the  finest  impulses  of  our  nature,  uncontrolled  by  religion, 
Lave  been  lured  to  their  own  destruction.'  Skelton  was  or- 
dered for  execution.  The  sentence  was  unlocked  for:  *het 
deportment  in  prison  had  been  good,  amenable  to  regula* 
lions,  quiet  and  orderly.  Some  of  her  companions  in  guilb 
were  heard  to  say  that  they  supposed  she  was  chosen  for 
death  because  she  was  better  prepared  than  the  rest  o| 
them.'  Elizabeth  Fry  was  vehemently  urged  to  exert  her- 
self on  behalf  of  this  unhappy  woman.  She  made  various 
attempts,  one  through  the  Duke  of  Gloucester  who  with 
other  dwellers  in  palaces  and  lordly  halls,  visited  the  poor 
convict  in  Newgate ;  and  '  his  former  companion  in  the 
dance '  led  the  Duke  through  the  gloom  and  darkness  of 
that  most  gloomy  of  prisons — a  new  scene  indeed  to  him 
and  to  many  others  who  through  life  had  been  '  nursed  on 
Ihe  downy  lap  of  ease,'  in  luxurious  abodes  that  strangely 
contrasted  with  the  '  dark  vaulted  passages,  the  clanking 
fetters,  the  offensive  smell,  the  grating  sound  as  the  heavy 
key  was  turned,  the  massive  bolt  drawn  back,  and  the  irou- 


142 


EUZABETH  FBT. 


sheathed  door  forced  reluctantly  open ' — ^unaccustomed,  and 

as  if  unwilling  to  admit  such  guests. 

''The  Duke  of  Gloucester  made  a  noble  effort  to  save 
Skelton  by  an  application  to  Lord  Sidmouth.  He  also  ac- 
companied Elizabeth  Fry  to  the  Bank  Directors.  But  all 
entreaties  were  in  vain.  Lord  Sidmouth  was  annoyed  by 
Elizabeth  Fry's  earnest  solicitations,  and  highly  offended  at 
some  disclosures  which  involved  a  degree  of  censure  on  the 
Bank  Directors.  There  were,  in  the  case,  circumstances  of 
collusion,  on  the  part  of  some  who  were  concerned  in  bring- 
ing this  unfortunate  creature  to  the  gallows,  of  which  Eliza* 
beth  Fry  might  perhaps  have  spoken  Avith  a  degree  of  free- 
dom that  exceeded  tlie  limits  of  strict  prudence:  but  who 
can  read  the  tale  without  a  strong  and  sympathetic  mterest 
in  her  humane  appeal  for  mercy?  or  without  deep  regret  and 
surprise  that  this  appeal  could  have  been  regarded  in  the 
light  of  an  offence?  And  how  does  the  emotion  acquire  in- 
tensity when  we  contemplate  the  dreadful  severity  of  tha 
enactment  which,  within  a  few  years  afterwards,  was, 
through  the  aroused  and  resistless  force  of  pu'blic  opinion, 
expunged  from  the  statute  book ! 

"  The  claims  of  mercy  had  rendered  it  very  important  to 
Elizabeth  Fry  that  she  should  have  access  to  the  Secretai'y 
of  State.  She  had  been  wont  to  intercede  with  Lord  Sid- 
mouth on  behalf  of  those  whom  his  decision  might  either 
consign  to  an  untimely  and  ignominious  death,  or  award  a 
further  term  of  ear  Lilly  probation.  But  now  her  influence 
with  him  was  lost.  She  endeavored,  by  a  persona^,  inter- 
view, to  remove  the  unfavorable  impreosiou  which  he  had 
unbibed,  and  to  convincehimthat,  although  she  might  have 
erred  in  judgment,  her  intentions  had  been  upright,  and 
her  deshe  sincere  not  to  oppose  his  wishes.  But  all  was  in 
vain:  bis  heart  was  steeled  against  remonstrances  and 
nothing  but  pain  resulted  from  the  interview. 

•'Elizabeth  Fry  had  been  accompauied  in  this  unsatisfac- 


MEWOATB. 


143 


tory  visit  by  the  excellent  Countess  Harcourt,  one  of  the 
ladies  of  the  court,  and,  under  her  special  care  and  protec« 
tion,  had,  on  the  same  day,  reluctantly,  and  with  a  heavy 
heart,  to  mingle  in  a  very  different  scene,  and  to  encounter 
objects  of  a  remarkably  opposite  character.  The  aged 
Queen  Charlotte,  who,  through  a  lengthened  life,  had  ap- 
peared little  moved  by  questions  of  a  phUanlhropic  charac- 
ter, her  interest  being  much  confined  within  the  sphere  of 
her  coui"t  and  its  cold  formalities  and  etiquette,  had 
heard  of  the  wonderful  changes  in  Newgate  and  elsewhere, 
wrought  through  the  instrumentality  of  Elizabeth  Fry,  and 
had  become  impressed  by  the  evidences  of  an  awakened 
and  powerfully  religious  feeling,  which  had  begun  to  ope- 
rate on  the  minds  of  some  persons  of  rank  and  influence 
who  had  witnessed  the  labors  of  this  devoted  woman ;  and 
on  the  occasion  of  a  public  examination  of  the  children  of 
some  large  metropolitan  schools  in  the  Egyptian  Hall  of 
the  Mansion  House,  the  Queen  intimated  her  deske  to  be 
present,  and  requested  that  Elizabeth  Fry  would  also  at- 
tend on  the  occasion.  This  was  an  injunction  that  could 
not,  with  any  degree  of  propriety,  be  disregarded;  and 
accordingly,  though  as  she  says  against  her  will,  ElizabetU 
Fry,  in  company  with  the  Countess  Harcourt,  repaued 
thither.  It  had  been  intended  that  she  should  be  pre-? 
Bented  to  the  Queen  in  the  drawing-room.  This  would 
have  been  much  more  select  and  agreeable.  But,  thi-ougb 
Bome  misunderstanding.  Lady  Harcourt  and  Elizabeth  Fry 
were  conducted  to  the  Hall  and  placed  on  the  side  of  th^ 
platform  which  was  crowded  with  waving  feathers,  jewels,, 
and  orders ;  several  of  the  bishops  standing  near  her,  the 
great  Hail  lined  with  spectators,  and  in  its  center  hundreds 
of  poor  children  from  the  different  schools.  Elizabeth  Fry 
was  an  object  of  general  attraction.  After  a  time  the 
Queen  perceived  her,  and  advanced  to  address  her.  It  wag 
a  striking  scene,  and  painted  by  an  artist — the  diminutive 
Btatuie  of  the  Queen,  covered  with,  diamonds,  but  her  coau- 


144 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


tenance  lighted  with  an  expression  of  pleasure  and  of  the 
kindest  benevolence — Elizabeth  Fry's  tall  figure  clad  in  her 
simple  Quaker  dress,  her  countenance  a  little  flushed,  but 
preserving  her  wonted  calmness  of  look  and  serious  dignity 
of  manner.  The  spectators  of  this  remarkable  interview^ 
with  a  murmur  of  applause,  hailed  the  scene  before  them, 
as  the  mead  of  approval  ojBfered  by  royalty  at  the  shrine  of 
mercy  and  good  works." 


CHAPTER  FIFTH. 


NEWGATE — CONTINUED. 

In  the  spring  of  1818,  Elizabeth  Fry  and  her  family  re- 
turned to  their  country  residence  at  Plashet,  where  she 
again  found  time  to  note  her  experiences  and  reflections, 
occasionally,  in  her  journal — not  the  least  useful  of  her 
many  employments.  Wliat  a  privilege  it  is  to  be  introduced 
into  the  very  *'  sanctum  sanctorum "  of  the  world's  true 
nobility,  and  permitted  to  see  the  inmost  workings  and 
complexion  of  their  minds  in  these  confidential  revelations 
of  themselves  to  themselves,  with  us  of  the  unknown  and 
unborn  future,  and  the  friends  who  may  remain  after  their 
death,  for  a  possible  audience. 

Plashet,  Fourth  Month,  29  ^A, — May  we  more  evidently 
live,  in  the  best  sense,  even  unto  God.  Since  I  last  wrote 
I  have  led  rather  a  remarkable  life  ;  so  surprisingly  followed 
after  by  the  great,  and  others,  in  my  Newgate  concerns ;  in 
short  the  prison  and  myself  are  become  quite  a  show,  which 
is  a  very  serious  thing  in  many  points.  I  believe  that  it 
certainly  does  much  good  to  the  cause,  in  spreading  amongst 
all  ranks  of  society  a  considerable  interest  in  the  subject; 
also  a  knowledge  of  Friends  and  their  principles ;  but  my 
6wn  standing  appears  critical  in  many  ways.  In  the  first 
place  the  extreme  importance  of  my  walking  strictly,  and 
circumspectly  amongst  all  men  in  all  things,  and  not  bring- 


146 


ELIZABETH  FBZ. 


ing  discredit  upon  the  cause  of  tnith  and  righteousness. 
In  the  next  place,  after  our  readings  there,  the  ministry  is  a 
most  awful  calling,  thus  publicly  amongst  men  to  be  in  sea- 
eon  and  out  of  season.  I  desire  to  live,  (more  particularly 
in  these  things,)  in  the  fear  of  God  rather  than  of  man,  and 
that  neither  good  report  nor  evil  report,  the  approbation 
nor  the  disapprobation  of  men,  should  move  me  the  least, 
but  my  eye  should  be  kept  quite  single  to  the  great  and 
good  Shepherd  and  bishop  of  souls — this  is  my  continual 
prayer  for  myself." 

Though  at  a  somewhat  greater  distance,  her  interest  in 
Newgate  and  its  concerns  still  continued  unabated,  and 
Boon  became  extended  from  the  prison  itself  to  those,  still 
more  unfortunate,  who  were  condemned  to  transportation 
to  Australia.  When  the  next  ship  load  was  being  prepared, 
Mrs.  Fry  interested  herself  to  have  the  removals  to  tha 
ship  made  as  privately  as  possible,  and  then  set  to  work  to 
arrange  the  convicts  into  classes,  each  having  a  monitor, 
•with  a  Bible  and  school  books  at  hand,  to  take  the  charge 
and  keep  the  classes  separate  from  each  other.  Then  after 
much  deliberation  how  to  find  them  employment,  the  com- 
mittee were  told  that  patchwork  and  fancy  work  found  a 
ready  sale  at  New  South  Wales.  A  call  was  at  once  issued 
for  little  pieces  of  colored  cotton  cloth,  and  in  a  few  days 
enough  were  sent  from  the  different  Manchester  houses  ia 
London  to  supply  the  want.  When  the  preparations  were 
as  complete  as  opportunity  and  means  permitted,  the  Com- 
mittee took  a  solemn  leave  of  the  one  hundred  and  twenty, 
eight  unhappy  exiles  whom  they  had  so  generously  be- 
friended.   The  scene  is  thus  described : 

<'  There  was  great  uncertainty  whether  the  poor  convict3 
would  see  their-  benefactress  again.   She  stood  at  the  cabin 


KEWGATE — CONIimrSD. 


147 


door,  attended  by  her  friends  and  the  captain ;  the  women 
on  the  quarter  deck  facing  them.  The  sailors,  anxious  to 
see  what  was  going  on,  climbed  into  the  rigging,  upon  the 
capstan,  or  mingled  in  the  outskirts  of  the  group.  The 
Bilence  was  profound,  when  Mrs.  Fry  opened  her  Bible,  and 
in  a  clear,  audible  voice,  read  a  portion  from  it.  The  crews 
of  the  other  vessels  in  the  tier,  attracted  by  the  novelty  of 
the  scene,  leaned  over  the  ships  on  each  side,  and  listened 
apparently  with  great  attention.  She  closed  the  Bible,  and, 
after  a  short  pause,  knelt  down  on  the  deck  and  implored  a 
blessing  on  this  work  of  Christian  charity  from  that  God 
who,  though  one  may  plant  and  another  water,  can  alone 
give  the  increase.  Many  of  the  women  wept  bitterly ;  all 
eeemed  touched.  When  she  left  the  ship  they  followed  her 
with  their  eyes  and  their  blessings,  until,  her  boat  having 
passed  within  another  tier  of  vessels,  they  could  see  her  no 
more." 

The  following  entry  in  July  of  this  year  shows  that  all 
was  not  sunshine,  even  when  conscience  approved  and  the 
world  applauded. 

"  Flasket,  Seventh  Month,  1st. — Since  I  last  wrote  much 
has  happened  to  me ;  some  things  have  occurred  of  an  im- 
portant nature.  My  prison  engagements  have  gone  on  well, 
and  many  have  flocked  after  me,  may  I  not  say  of  almost  all 
descriptions,  from  the  greatest  to  the  least;  and  we  have 
had  some  remarkably  favored  times  together  in  tiAe  prison. 
The  Yearly  Meeting  was  a  very  interesting  one  to  me,  and 
also  encouraging.  I  felt  the  unity  of  Friends  a  comfort  and 
support.  I  had  to  go  into  the  Men's  Meeting,  which  was  a 
deep  trial  of  faith ;  but  it  appeared  called  for  at  my  hand, 
and  peace  attended  giving  up  to  it.  The  unity  which  the 
women  exxiressed  at  my  going,  and  the  good  reception  I 
found  amongst  the  men,  were  comforting  to  me ;  but  it  was 
a  close,  very  close,  exercise.  Although  I  have  had  much  sup- 
port from  many  of  my  fellow  mortals,  and  so  much  unity 


148 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


expressed  with  me,  both  in  and  out  of  om  Society,  yet  I 
believe  many  Friends  have  great  fears  for  me  and  mine; 
and  some  not  Friends  do  not  scruple  to  spread  evil  re- 
ports, as  if  vanity,  or  political  motives,  led  me  to  neglect  a 
large  family.  I  desire  patiently  to  beai'  it  all,  but  the  very 
critical  view  that  is  taken  of  my  beloved  children  grieves  me 
much." 

"  8th. — My  heart  is  too  full  to  express  much ;  yesterday 
I  had  a  very  interesting  day  at  Newgate  with  the  Chancellor 
of  the  Exchequer,  and  many  other  persons  of  consequence  : 
Much  in  the  cross  to  myself  I  had  to  express  a  few  words 
in  supplication  before  them ;  but  the  effect  was  solemn  and 
satisfactory.  After  this  I  felt  peaceful  and  comforted. 
Sometimes  I  think,  after  such  times,  I  am  disposed  to  feel 
as  if  that  day's  work  was  dotie,  and  give  way  to  cheerful 
conversation,  without  sufficiently  waiting  for  the  fresh  mani- 
festations of  the  Spuit,  and  abiding  imder  the  humiliationa 
of  the  Cross." 

The  impression  made  upon  the  witnesses  on  some  of  these 
occasions  is  shown  by  an  extract  from  a  letter  of  Sir.  James 
Mackintosh,  then  a  member  of  Parliament,  to  his  wife.  He 
says — 

"I  dined  on  Saturday,  June  3d,  at  Devonshire  House. 
The  company  consisted  of  the  Duke  of  Norfolk,  Lords  Lans- 
down,  Lauderdale,  Albemarle,  Cowper,  Hardwicke,  Car- 
narvon, Sefton,  Ossulston,  Milton,  Duncannon,  &c.  The 
subject  was  Mrs.  Fry's  exhortation  to  forty-five  female  con- 
victs, at  which  Lord  had  been  present  on  Friday. 

He  could  hardly  refrain  from  tears  in  speaking  of  it.  He 
palled  it  the  deepest  tragedy  he  had  ever  witnessed.  What 
she  read  aud  expounded  to  the  convicts,  with  almost  mir- 
aculous effect  was  the  fourth  chapter  to  the  Ephesians. 
Coke  (of  Norfolk)  begged  mo  to  go  with  him  next  Friday. 


NEWGATE— CONTINUED. 


149 


I  doubt  whetlier,  as  that  is  the  day  of  my  motion,  (For  the 
revision  of  the  Peual  Laws,)  I  shall  be  able  to  go,  and 
whether  it  be  prudent  to  expose  myself  to  the  danger  oi 
being  too  much  warmed  by  the  scene,  just  before  a  speecb 
in  which  I  shall  need  all  my  discretion." 

The  year  when  this  letter  was  written  is  not  given,  but  a 
comparison  of  the  month  and  day,  June  3,  when  the  cir- 
cumstance was  related,  with  that  of  an  account  written  by 
the  Hon.  IMrs.  Waldegrave  for  her  mother,  June  2nd,  1820, 
together  with  the  identity  of  the  subject — iih  Ephesians— 
and  the  fact  that  Lord  Albemarle  is  named  in  both  in- 
Btances  makes  it  probable  that  we  have  a  pretty  full  report 
of  this  remarkable  meeting  in  the  account  which  is  here 
Bubjoined.  It  was  sent  the  compiler  of  the  "  Life  of  Eliza* 
beth  Fry,"  with  the  accompanying  note.  If  not  the  same 
event  the  coincidence  is  remarkable. 

"  Account  of  a  visit  to  Newgate,  June  2nd,  1820,  written 
by  the  late  Hon.  Mrs.  Waldegrave,  for  her  mother,  lady 
Elizabeth  Whitbread,  on  whose  death  in  1816,  it  was  sent 
to  me. 

"Elizabeth  Waldegrave,  Jun. 
*«4  Harley  Street,  London,  March  2nd,  1852." 

"June,  2nd,  1820. — We  reached  Newgate  at  half -past  ten, 
and  waited  with  the  rest  of  the  company  in  a  small  room  up 
stairs ;  in  the  way  to  it  we  passed  through  several  wards  in 
which  the  most  perfect  stillness  prevailed ;  these  were  the 
former  scenes  of  all  the  riot  and  confusion  of  which  we  had 
heard  so  much. 

"After  waiting  a  short  time  Mrs.  Fry  entered,  saluting 
everybody  in  the  most  dignified  manner.  The  female  con- 
viots,  forty  in  number,  came  in  upon  a  bell  being  rung,  and 


15U 


ELIZABETH  VSt. 


took  their  seats  at  one  end  of  the  room  with  perfect  order— 
the  monitors  sitting  on  the  first  bench  and  the  others  in 
classes  behind ;  each  had  her  work,  at  which  she  employee^ 
herself  till  Mrs.  Fry  began  reading.  They  had  ivorytickets 
round  their  necks  Avith  numbers  on  them. 

"  Mrs.  Fry  arranged  a  large  old  Bible  on  her  desk  and 
sat  down — her  voice  was  so  gentle  that  we  wondered  wa 
could  hear  what  she  said,  but  remarkably  mUd  and  sweet. 
She  began  by  requesting  their  attention. — '  I  am  desu'oua 
that  your  attention  should  be,  as  much  as  possible,  undi- 
vided— notwithstanding  our  being  subject  to-day  to  the  in- 
terruptions of  company,  it  is  equally  important  that  your 
attention  should  be  fixed  on  what  I  say — praying  that  the 
Holy  Spnit  may  enlighten  your  understanding.  I  am  going 
to  read  the  4th  chapter  of  Paul's  Epistle  to  the  Ephesians." 
They  all  laid  aside  their  work,  most  of  them  fixing  their 
eyes  on  the  ground,  and  we  could  not  observe  that  more 
than  two  or  three  looked  about  afterwards  till  she  had  dona 
reading.  She  read  the  chapter  slowly  and  impressively — 
the  6th,  28th  and  32nd  verses  appeared  to  affect  them 
deeply — evei'y  word  that  she  uttered  seemed  to  be  writter 
in  her  own  heart.  She  then  turned  to  the  book  of  Psalms. 
After  a  moment's  pause  she  turned  back  to  the  chapter  she 
had  been  reading,  and  said,  '  I  was  going  to  read  a  Psalm, 
but  I  thought  I  should  be  best  satisfied  to  say  a  word  ou 
the  chapter  I  have  been  reading.  The  greater  part  of  it  i3 
so  simple  and  clear  that  a  very  little  endeavor  on  your  part 
will  enable  you  to  understand  it ;  but  there  is  one  expres- 
sion which  perhaps  may  be  obscure.  '  One  Lord,  one  Faith, 
one  Baptism.'  If  you  look  only  at  the  external  you  might 
say,  so  many  diCferent  opinions  prevail,  people  are  so 
divided  as  to  what  they  think  ought  to  be  believed,  how 
can  they  be  said  to  have  one  faith?  I  have  always  viewed 
it  very  differently ;  '  One  Lord,' — yea,  and  have  not  all 
Christians  the  same  Lord,  which  is  Christ  ?  and  while  wa 
acknowledge  Him  our  Master,  look  to  Him  for  our  justifi- 


NEWGATE — COMTIiniSD* 


ISl 


cation,  follow  his  precepts,  obey  his  commandments,  love 
him,  serve  him,  he  is  our  Lord,  he  is  the  '  one  Lord '  of  all 
who  thus  acknowledge  him  their  JETeac?. — Again,  'one  Faith* 
— there  is  a  diversity  of  opinions,  but  only  one  true  and  sav- 
ing Faith,  the  Faith  which  lives  in  the  heart,  and  becomes 
evident  by  its  fruits;  which  lays  hold  of  the  promises; 
which  actuates  to  all  godliness,  and  produces  the  blessed 
effects  of  a  holy  life.  This  one  true,  saving  faith  is  common 
to  all  Christians,  how  exceedingly  soever  they  may  seem 
to  differ.  So  also  '  one  Baptism : '  Christians  may  differ  as 
to  the  manner  of  administering  the  Baptism  of  water ;  nay 
though  some  even  dispense  with  that  altogether,  yet  there 
is  one  spiritual  baptism  of  the  heart, — the  Spirit  of  God 
sanctifying  and  renewing  the  heart,  and  creating  it  after 
God  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness.  In  this  manner 
we  have  all  '  one  Lord,  one  Faith,  one  Baptism ;  one  God 
and  Father  of  all,  who  is  above  all,  and  through  all,  and  in 
you  all.  What  a  sweet  bond  of  unity  is  this,  where  we  are 
not  only  brethren  in  this  world,  but  may  hope  to  meet  in 
Heaven,  there  to  give  glory  to  Him  with  one  accord  for 
ever  and  for  evermore.' 

"Mrs.  Fry  then  read  the  86th  Psalm,  at  the  end  of  which 
a  brother  Quaker  said  a  few  words  of  exhortation  to  all 
present  to  join  in  prayer  on  behalf  of  the  poor  sufferers 
contained  in  these  walls,  and  not  to  be  unmindful  that  all 
were  sinners,  all  under  one  condemnation. 

"  She  then  knelt  down  and  prayed  so  beautiful  a  prayer, 
—with  such  fervency,  so  rich  a  flow  of  ideas,  such  perfect 
command  of  Scripture  language  to  clothe  them  in,  that  it 
is  impossible  to  convey  an  idea  of  its  beauty.  The  chauntf 
in  which  the  Quakers  recite  their  prayers,  gave  it  a  very  sin- 
gular, but  very  impressive  effect ;  for  her  voice  is  good,  and 
when  exerted,  very  strong  and  clear.  This,  after  a  few 
words  from  one  of  the  company,  concluded  the  service — the 
women  retired  in  perfect  order,  each  class  separately,  witW 
its  monitor  from  the  front  row ;  all  making  courtesies  as' 


152 


ELIZABETH  TRY. 


they  left  tlie  room.  Mrs.  Fry,  in  the  course  of  some  con- 
versation v:\ih.  Lord  Albemai'le,  said  that  she  believed  the 
coolness  she  had  experienced  from  Lord  Sidmouth,  to  have 
originated  in  too  anxious  a  desire  on  her  part  to  save  the 
life  of  a  condemned  woman ;  which  had  induced  her  to  speak 
to  the  Duke  of  Gloucester  on  the  subject  after  Lord  Sid- 
mouth had  refused  to  interfere ;  by  which  she  believed  she 
had  given  offence ;  that  she  thought  they  had  been  wrong 
and  urged  too  far ;  that  at  first  they  had  free  communica- 
tion with  the  Secretary  of  State's  office,  but  that  it  had 
Jaeen  closed  for  some  time. 

"  She  said  that  her  success  had  surprised  herself  as  much 
as  it  did  others — That  a  very  remarkable  Providence  had 
attended  all  her  efforts — she  had  never  seen  the  Bible  re- 
ceived as  it  had  been  there.  'Ten  years  ago,'  she  said, 
'  when  it  occurred  to  me  to  make  trial,  I  went  with  a  young 
Friend  into  one  of  the  wards  in  which  the  greatest  riot  and 
confusion  prevailed.  I  went  in  with  my  Bible  in  my  hand, 
and  told  them  I  was  come  to  read  the  Scriptures.  They  all 
flocked  round  me,  and  I  am  convinced  many  had  never  heard 
them  before.  It  seemed  to  be  glad  tidings  to  them.  All 
were  attentive.  I  had  been  warned  to  take  off  such  things 
as  could  possibly  be  stolen  but  no  attempt  of  the  kind  was 
made.  If  I  dropped  anything  it  was  picked  up  and  brought 
to  me.  I  felt  rather  alarmed  at  first  at  the  idea  of  being 
shut  up  with  these  poor  creatures,  but  I  was  p  reserved! 
through  it. 

"She  said  that  some  remarkable  things  had  happened  for 
her  encouragement :  one  which  occurred  lately  she  related. 
*A  woman  who  was  one  of  the  lowest  of  .the  low — a  thief, 
a  drunkard,  and  in  every  way  as  bad  as  possible,  was  com- 
mitted to  Newgate.  On  the  first  day  that  she  attended 
(the  reading)  I  happened  to  read  the  parable  of  the  prodi- 
gal son.  She  was  much  affected  by  it,  and  the  next  day  I' 
received  a  letter,  in  which  she  expressed  her  thankfulness, 
to  God  that,  through  our  instrumentality,  a  new  way  had 


KSWOATB — OONTIinJED. 


153 


been  opened  before  her — that  she  was  like  the  prodigal 
son,  and  it  seemed  as  if  God  had  seen  her  afar  off — that  she 
prayed  to  be  enabled  to  hold  fast  the  hope  she  felt — all  in 
this  strain.  We  made  her  our  school  mistress,  and  during 
the  whole  term  of  her  imprisonment  I  never  knew  her  to 
break  one  rule,  or  be  guilty  of  the  smallest  impropriety  of 
speech  or  behavior.  When  they  quit  Newgate  we  support 
them  from  our  fund  till  they  are  otherwise  provided  for. 
In  consequence  of  illness  she  remained  for  some  time  de- 
pendent on  us.  We  received  a  message  from  her,  request- 
ing that  we  would  if  possible,  obtain  her  admittance  into 
some  workhouse  where,  if  we  could  furnish  her  with  a  httle 
tea  and  sugar,  she  should  be  much  happier  than  now,  for 
she  was  miserable  at  the  idea  of  diminishing  that  fund 
which  might  be  the  means  of  rescviing  other  poor  creatures 
from  the  state  she  had  herself  been  in.  We  got  her  into  a 
workhouse  where  she  lately  died,  one  of  the  most  peaceful, 
happy  deaths  ;  the  only  pain  she  experienced  was  from  none 
of  us  being  present  that  she  might  have  expressed  to  us  her 
gratitude  for  the  benefit  she  had  derived  through  our  means, 
Another  young  woman  too,  of  the  same  character,  is  lately 
dead ;  she  lived  well,  and  died  wel!, 

"We  went  afterwards  through  part  of  the  prison,  but  in 
a  very  unsatisfactory  manner,  owing  to  the  number  of  per- 
sons present.  She  said  that  one  proof  of  essential  good 
being  done  was  that,  whereas  the  returns  used  to  be  30  per 
cent.,  they  are  now  less  than  4." 

On  June  3rd,  1818,  the  Marquis  of  Lansdowne  moved  an 
address  to  the  Prince  Eegont  on  the  state  of  the  prisons  of 
the  United  Kingdom.  In  his  speech  he  made  this  observa- 
tion in  reference  to  Newgata 

"It  was  impossible,  from  the  manner  in  which  it  wa^ 
constantly  crowded,  to  apply  any  general  system  of  regula* 
tions.    There  it  was  necessary  to  place  several  felons  in  thQ 


154 


ELIZABETH  FBT.' 


same  cell,  and  persons  guilty  of  very  different  descriptions 
of  offences  were  mixed  together.  The  consequences  wera 
Buch  as  might  be  expected,  notwithstanding  all  the  efforts 
of  that  very  meritorious  individual  (Mrs.  Fry),  who  had 
come  like  a  genius  of  good  into  this  scene  of  misery  and 
vice,  and  had,  by  her  wonderful  influence  and  exertions, 
produced  in  a  short  time  a  most  extraordinary  reform  among 
the  most  abandoned  class  of  prisoners.  After  this  great 
example  of  humanity  and  benevolo  jce,  he  would  leave  it  to 
then-  lordships  how  much  good  persons  similarly  disposed, 
might  effect  in  other  prisons,  were  the  mechanism,  if  he 
might  use  the  expression,  of  therJe  places  of  confinement 
better  adapted  to  the  purposes  of  reformation.  The  insti- 
tution of  the  great  Penitentiary-house  was  likely  to  ba 
4ittended  with  great  advantages,  though  he  did  not  approva 
t)f  all  the  regulations.  That  esiiablishment  was  a  great 
step  taken  in  the  important  work  of  reformation.  He  was 
aware  there  were  persons  who  considered  all  expense  of 
this  kind  as  useless ;  who  thought  that  all  that  could  ba 
done  was  to  provide  for  the  sate  custody  of  prisoners,  and 
that  attempts  to  reform  them  were  hopeless.  Let  those 
Who  entertain  this  notion  go  and  see  what  had  been  effected 
by  Mrs.  Fry  and  other  benevolent  persons  in  Newgate. 
The  scenes  which  passed  there  would  induce  them  to  alter 
their  opinion.  There  were  moments  when  the  hardest 
hearts  could  be  softened  and  disposed  to  reform." 

After  such  an  expression  made  in  t£e"S6use  of  Lords 
ia.nd  published  in  the  journals  of  the  day,  it  is  not  surpris- 
ing that  Newgate  became  an. object  of  interest  to  people  of 
oil  classes. 

In  addition  to  English  visitors  61  all  ranks,  numerous 
foreigners  were  attracted  to  Newgate ; — among  others  John 
Kandolph,  at  that  time  American  Envoy  to  Great  Britain, 


NEWGATE — CONTINUED. 


155 


who  gave  a  cBaiacteristic  description  of  the  Ecene  to  a 
friend  who  thus  relates  the  particulars : 

"  Suddenly  Eandolph  rose  from  his  chair  and  in  his  most 
imposing  manner  thus  addiessed  me :  '  Mr.  Harvey,  two 
days  ago  I  saw  the  greatest  curiosity  in  London — aye,  and 
in  England'  too,  sir — compared  to  which  Westminster 
Abbey,  the  Tower,  Somerset  House,  the  British  Museum, 
nay  ParUament  itself,  sink  into  utter  insignificance!  I  have 
seen,  sir,  Elizabeth  Fry  in  Newgate,  and  have  witnessed 
there  miraculous  effects  of  true  Christianity  upon  the  mosfc 
depraved  of  human  beings!  And  yet  the  wretched  outcasts 
have  been  tamed  and  subdued  by  the  Christian  eloquence 
of  IMi's.  Fry!  I  have  seen  them  weep  repentant  tears  while 
she  addressed  them.  I  have  heard  theii-  groans  of  despair, 
sir !  Nothing  but  religion  can  effect  this  miracle ;  for  what 
can  be  a  greater  miracle  than  the  conversion  of  a  degraded, 
sinful  woman  taken  from  the  very  dregs  of  society?  Oh, 
sir,  it  was  a  sight  worthy  the  attention  of  angels  I  You 
must  also  see  this  wonder.' " 

Persons  of  distinction  from  the  Continent  were  introduced 
to  Newgate  and  its  noted  reformer,  and  carried  back  reports 
to  their  different  countries  which  were  like  seeds  of  a  new 
interest  in  humanity.  Some  of  the  first  fruits  were  seen  in 
Russia,  where  the  Princess  Sophia  Mestchersky  and  other? 
ladies  formed  themselves  into  an  association,  with  highly 
Batisfactory  results,  to  visit  the  women  confined  in  the  five} 
prisons  of  the  capital.  A  gentleman  named  "Walter  Ven- 
ting also  devoted  himself  to  visiting  the  prisoners  there. 
Hearing  of  this  Mrs.  Fry  opened  a  correspondence  on  tho' 
eubject  to  encourage  the  good  work.  In  a  letter,  writt 
by  the  Kussian  Princess  to  Mr.  Venning,  on  the  second  oc 
August,  1820,  is  the  following  passage:—- 


156 


ELIZABETH  FET. 


"Though  I  acknowledge  myself  completely  unable  to 
write  in  English,  as  you  wish  me  to  do,  for  to  show  your 
friends  in  England  the  state  of  our  prisons,  such  as  the 
Ladies  Committee  found  it  to  be,  and  such  as  it  is  now, 
eight  months  after  the  establishment  of  the  society;  yet 
when  you  told  me  it  would  prove  a  token  of  our  regard  and 
high  esteem  for  Mrs.  Fry  and  her  fellow  laborers,  I  readily 
comply  with  your  request,  and  shall  try  to  OYercome  all  the 
difficulties  which  ignorance  of  yovur  language  and  the  nov- 
elty of  the  subject  present  to  me.  Not  I  alone,  sir,  but  al] 
the  ladies  of  our  committee  expressed  a  hearty  wish  that 
something  of  our  public  exertions,  and  of  our  efforts  to  fol- 
low the  example  which  that  lady  gives  us,  might  be  com« 
municated  to  her,  as  a  proof  that  her  labors  are  blessed 
from  above,  and  that  a  spark  of  that  love  which  animates 
her  generous  heart  has  also  reached  our  distant  country, 
and  influenced  many  hearts  with  the  same  Christian  feeling 
ior  suffering  humanity.  May  this  prove  a  comfort  to  her 
soul,  and  a  new  encouragement  for  her  to  continue  hei 
labors  in  that  large  and  important  field  of  usefulness  in 
which  she  is  called  to  serve  our  Lord.  We  will  all  en- 
deavor to  follow  her  according  to  the  strength  and  abilities 
granted  us,  looking  for  help  and  hoping  for  success  to  and 
from  Him  from  whom  we  receive  every  blessing,  and  whosfi 
'  strength  is  made  perfect  in  weakness.' " 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Elizabeth  Fry  to  Walter  Venning. 

"Kespected  Fbiend: 

Though  personally  unknown  to  thee  I  am  confidentj 
from  the  interest  we  both  feel  in  one  cause,  thou  wilt  ex« 
cuse  the  liberty  I  take  in  writing  to  thee  to  express  my 
heart-felt  satisfaction  at  the  interesting  and  important  ac- 
counts thou  hast  given  my  brother  Hoare  of  the  proceeds 
ings  of  the  Gentlemen  and  Ladies'  Prison  Associations  of 
Petersburg.   Most  warmly  do  I  desire  their  encouragement 


NEWGATE — CONTINDKD. 


15T 


£n  this  work  of  charity  and  utility ;  for  the  more  1  am  ac- 
quainted with  the  subject,  and  the  more  extensive  my  ob- 
servation of  the  effects  of  prison  discipline  is,  the  more  con- 
fident I  feel  of  its  importance ;  and  that,  although  the  work 
will  be  gradual,  yet  through  the  Divine  blessing  its  results 
will  be  sure.  Not  only  that  many  will  be  stopped  in  their 
career  of  vice,  but  some  truly  turned  from  their  evil  ways, 
and  the  security  and  comfort  of  the  community  at  large  in- 
increased  by  our  prisons  which  have  been  too  generally  the 
nurseries  of  vice,  and  scenes  of  idleness,  filth  and  debauch- 
ery, being  so  arranged  and  attended  to  that  they  may  be- 
come schools  where  the  most  reprobate  may  be  instructed  i^ 
their  duty  towards  their  Creator  and  their  fellow  mortals> 
and  where  the  very  habits  of  their  lives  may  be  changed.' 

"  It  will  be  found  in  this,  as  in  every  other  good  work, 
that  some  trials  and  discouragements  will  attend  it ;  bul} 
the  great  end  in  view  must  induce  those  engaged  in  it  tci 
persevere  and  use  increased  diligence  to  overcome  them, 
doing  what  we  do  to  the  Lord  and  not  unto  man,  and  thei> 
we  shall  do  it  well. 

"  We  continue  to  have  much  satisfaction  with  the  resultai 
of  our  efforts  in  Newgate — good  order  appears  increasingly 
established,  there  is  much  cleanliness  amongst  our  poor 
women,  and  some  very  encouraging  proofs  of  reformation 
In  habit,  and  what  is  much  more,  in  heart.  This,  in  a  prison 
so  ill-arranged,  with  no  classification,  except  tried  from  un- 
tried, no  good  inspection  and  many  other  great  disadvan- 
tages, is  more  than  the  most  zealous  advocates  of  prison 
discipline  could  look  for. 

"  I  lately  had  the  pleasiire  of  seeing  the  Duchess  of  GIou> 
cester,  who  is  our  Patroness ;  she  desired  me  to  express 
how  much  gratified  she  was  with  thy  account  of  what  yoq 
are  doing  in  Petersburg,  and  her  wish  that  the  ladies  may 
be  encom-aged  in  their  good  work. 

How  delightful  it  is  to  hear  of  the  interest  that  the  Em^ 
peror  Alexander,  Prince  Galitzin,  and  ladies  of  high  ranlf. 


158 


ELIZABETH  FB7. 


take  in  the  cause  of  the  poor  prisoners.  May  the  hest  o£ 
blessings  rest  upon  them  for  thus  manifesting  their  carej 

over  the  destitute  of  the  earth.   

"  "We  also  feel  gratefully  sensible  of  the  kindness  to  ou^ 
friends  William  Allen  and  Stephen  Grellet,  I  hope  thoii 
\vi!t  let  us  know  before  long  how  you  go  on.  I  am  much 
obliged  for  the  book  thou  kindly  sent  me ;  and  believe  me, 
uith  much  regard  and  esteem,    Thy  friend 

"Elizabeth  Fby."" 

After  the  death  of  "Walter  Venning  the  correspondence 
And  the  work  in  Russia  were  continued  by  his  brother  Johu 
Venning,  who  states  that  the  letters  which  he  received  from 
Elizabeth  Fry  were  "  invaluable,  as  regarded  the  treatmeufc 
and  management  of  both  prisoners  and  insane  persons.  It 
was  the  fruit  of  her  own  rich  practical  experience,  communi* 
cated  with  touching  simplicity,  and  it  produced  lasting 
benefit  to  thosa  institutions  in  Russia." 

"A-fter  he  had  presented  to  the  Emperor  Nicholas  a  state- 
ment of  the  defects  of  the  Government  lunatic  asylum,  tho 
Dowager  Empress  and  her  son  visited  the  asylum  together, 
and,  being  convinced  of  the  necessity  of  a  complete  refornj 
in  the  management  ox  the  insane,  tho  Empex-or  requested 
his  mother  to  take  it  under  her  own  care  and  to  appoint 
Tohn  Venning  the  governor  of  it.  An  order  was  soon 
given  to  purchase,  of  one  of  the  princes,  a  palace-like  house, 
having  above  two  miles  of  garden,  and  a  fine  straam  of 
water  running  through  the  grounds.  A  plan  of  this  gL'eat 
building  was  sent  to  Elizabeth  Fry  for  her  inspectioa  and 
bints  for  improvements.  Two  extensive  wings  were  recom- 
mended for  dormitories.  The  wings  cost  15,000  pounds. 
In  addition  to  this  sum  from  the  Government,  the  Emperor 
gave  3090  poands  for  cast-iron  window  f .  ames  recommended 
by  Ehzabeth  Fry;  as  the  clumsy iion  ba.siu  the  old  inst^ta- 


»i£WeATE — CONTINUES. 


169 


tion  had  drawn  from  many  a  poor  inmate  a  sigli,  witli  'Sir, 

prison !  prison ! ' 

"  Elizabeth  Fry  recommended  that  all,  except  the  violent 
jfunatics,  should  dine  together  at  a  table  covered  with  ^ 
cloth  and  furnished  with  plates  and  spoons.  The  Empress 
was  delighted  with  this  plan,  and  when  the  arrangements 
were  completed  requested  John  Venning  to  invite  them  to 
dinner.  Sixteen  came  and  took  their  seats.  The  Empress 
approached  the  table,  ordering  one  of  the  upper  servants 
to  sit  at  the  head  of  it  and  ask  a  blessing.  AVhen  he  arosa 
to  do  this  they  all  stood  up.  The  soup,  with  small  pieces 
of  meat  was  then  served,  and  as  soon  as  they  had  dined 
they  all  rose  up  spontaneously,  and  thanked  her  for  her 
motherly  kindness.  She  was  deeply  moved,  and  turning  to 
John  Venning,  said,  'My  friend  this  is  one  of  the  happiest 
days  of  my  life.'  The  nest  day  the  number  at  table  was 
increased,  and  the  day  following  was  still  greater. 

"  A  letter  from  Elizabeth  Fry  on  '  the  great  importance 
of  supplying  the  lunatics  with  the  Scriptures,'  which  John 
Venning  said  'deserved  to  be  written  in  letters  of  gold,* 
and  which  he  sent  to  the  imperial  family,  Avas  received  with 
marked  approbation.  The  court-physician,  Dr.  Richl,  a  de- 
voted philanthropist  requested  a  copy  of  it.  This  lettet 
I'emoved  all  difficulties  on  the  subject  and  John  Venning 
was  requested  to  furnish  them  in  their  various  languages, 
(t  was  considered  by  some  '  a  wUd  and  dangerous  proceed- 
ing;' but  he  soon  found  them  collected  in  gi'oups  and 
quietly  listening,  while  one  of  their  number  was  reading 
the  New  Testament ;  and  instead  of  disturbing  their  minds 
It  produced  a  soothing  influence.  A  Russian  priest,  a  luna- 
tic, collected  a  number  together  and  read  to  them.  And 
John  Venning  found  a  poor  Frenchman  in  his  bed-room, 
dui-iug  a  lucid  interval  reading  the  New  Testament,  with 
tears  rolling  down  his  cheeks. 

"  Whenever  John  Venning  received  a  letter  from  Eliza* 
beth  Fry  he  would  write  it  out  in  French  for  the  Empress, 


160 


ELIZAIETH  FRY. 


^and  -vvas  pl6ai5ed  to  see^  as  souu  as  she  had  read  it,  with 
"wliat  alacrity  she  ordered  one  of  her  secretaries  to  translate 
it  into  Russian,  to  be  entered  into  the  journal  of  the  asylum 
for  immediate  adoption.  One  contained  a  list  of  fourteen 
rules  which^were  all  confirmed  by  the  Empress  the  same 
day.  And  they  introduced  very  important  arrangements, 
viz. :  '  treating  the  inmates,  as  fa.  as  possible,  as  the  sane 
persons,  both  in  conversation  and  manners  towards  them ;  to 
allow  them  as  much  liberty  as  possible ;  to  engage  them 
daily  to  take  exercise  in  the  open  au-;  to  allow  them  to  wear 
their  own  clothes,  and  no  uniform  prison  dress ;  mosi 
strictly  to  fulfil  whatever  was  promised  them ;  to  exercis6 
patience,  (gentleness,  kindness,  and  love  towards  them ;  and 
to' Be~  exceedingly  careful  as  to  the  characters  of  the  keepers 
appointed  to  watch  over  them. 

■ "  Petersl3urg  was  not  the  only  continental  city  with  whiclj 
C!5»minunication  on  the  subject  of  ladies  visiting  prisoners 
iiad  now  been  opened. 

"At  Tuiin,  La  Marquise  de  Barol  nee  Colbert  was  assidu- 
Cusly  occupied  in  this  important  work.  This  lady  was  a 
Eoman  Catholic  and  had  entered  upon  it  from  a  sense  of 
duty.  Francis  Cunningham,  when  traveling  thi-ough  that 
^lace  had  obtained  permission  to  see  the  prison,  had  there 
become  acquainted  with  her,  and  opened  a  correspondence 
{or  her  with  his  sister-in-law,  Elizabeth  Fry,  which  was 
maintained  for  many  years.  Letters  were  also  received  from 
Amsterdam,  where  those  interested  in  the  cause  were  en- 
deavoring to  form  a  Prison  Discipline  Society  and  Commit- 
tpe  to  npit  tt^e  prisoners."* 

in  1822  the  Prince  and  Princess  Koyal  of  Denmark  vis- 
{ted  Englan'd,  on  which  occasion  the  Princess  called  and 
took  &eakfast  with  Mrs.  Fry.  This  was  the  commence* 
ment  of  a  life-long  association  and  friendship  between  thesf 

•  Life  by  S.  Corder, 


NEWGATE — CONTimiED. 


161 


excellent  ladies.  In  November  of  tliis  year,  tlie  following 
letter  was  addressed  to  the  Princess. 

"Dear  and  eespected  Fkiend, 

Allow  me  to  call  thee  so,  for  such  I  feel  thee,  as  thou  art 
truly  both  loved  and  respected  by  me.  According  to  thy 
kind  and  condescending  wish,  expressed  when  here,  I  take 
up  my  pen  to  inform  thee  that  upon  the  first  of  this  month 
through  the  tender  mercy  of  my  God,  I  was  safely  delivered 
of  a  sweet  boy,  and  to  add  to  our  cause  of  joy  and  thankS' 
giving,  my  dear  daughter  had  also  one  born  on  the  samo 
day,  so  that  twenty-four  hours  added  a  son  and  a  grandson 
to  our  already  numerous  family.  (This  was  her  eleventh 
and  last  child.)  "VVe  have  both  of  us  with  our  infants  been 
going  on  well,  and  with  the  exception  of  some  illness  that 
I  passed  through  in  the  early  part  of  my  confinement,  and 
my  habitual  delicacy  at  such  times,  I  am  as  well  now  as  ^ 
can  expect  to  be. 

"I  have  often  thought  of  thy  kind  visit  with  deep  inter- 
est, and  strong  desires  are  raised  in  my  heart  for  thy  wel- 
fare and  preservation  every  way,  that  the  God  of  Peace  may 
be  with  thee  continually,  guiding  thee  by  His  counsel,  help- 
ing thee  by  His  Spu'it,  comforting  thee  by  His  love,  during 
thy  continuance  here ;  and  afterwards,  when  He  may  be 
pleased  to  take  thee  hence,  to  be  seen  of  men  no  more, 
through  His  mercy  in  Christ  Jesus,  receiving  thee  into 
glory.  I  also  feel  real  interest  and  best  desu'es  for  the 
Prince  Koyal, — may  you  both  be  encouraged  in  every  good 
ivord  and  work.  I  remember  the  words  of  Paul  in  the  15th 
chapter  of  the  1st  of  Corinthians,  58th  verse:  'Be  ye  stead- 
fast, unmovable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord, 
for  as  much  as  ye  know  that  your  labor  is  not  in  vain  in 
the  Lord.". 

"  It  would  give  me  great  pleasure  and  satisfaction  to  hea* 
from  thee,  or  if  that  be  asking  too  much,  perhaps  the  lady 
whom  we  had  the.  pleasure  of  seeing  here,  will  let  us  know 


16S 


ELIZABETH  FB% 


many  particulars  respecting  your  welfarej^  afid  Ij6w  you  go 
on  in  Denmark,  as  it  respects  the  prisons,  schools,  and  other 
works  of  charity  and  love.  I  should  also  be  pleased  to 
know  whether  the  books  and  the  other  things  which  we 
sent  to  Count  Moltke,  and  also  some  of  the  wbi-k  of  the 
prisoners,  ever  came  safely  to  thy  hand,  as  we  were  preven- 
ted sending  them  quite  so  soon  as  we  hoped  to  have  done. 
I  should  be  glad  to  be  very  respectfully  and  affectionately 
remembered  to  the  Queen,  and  also  to  the  Prince  Koyal,  thy 
consort :  and  believe  me,  with  much  respect  and  regard 
"Thy  attached  and  obliged  friend, 

"Eli^eth  Fey." 

The  nobility  of  her  nature,  so  thoroughly  redeemed  and 
irradiated  by  heavenly  grace,  brought  Mrs.  Fry  naturally 
into  association  with  the  finest  spirits  of  the^a&e  in  which 
she  hved.  She  was  acquainted  with  Dr.  Chalmers,  and  to 
some  extent  a  co-laborer  with  him ;  but  no  particulars  are 
vecorded.  "They  mutually  helped  each  other  in  their  plans 
of  benevolence.'V 

When  in  Bristol  ~atten ding  religious  meetings  and  visit- 
ing the  prisons,  she  called  on  Hannah  More,  from  whom  she 
had  previously  received  a  copy  of  her  "Practical^Piety " 
containing  this_iascriBtion : 

TO   MRS.  FEY. 

Presented  by  Hannah  More» 
As  a  token  of  venerationL 
Of  her  hei'oic  zeal, 
Christian  charity, 
JLnd  persevering  kindneaa* 
To  the  most  forlorn 
Of  human  beings. 
They  were  naked  and  she 


KEWGATE — CONTIKUB*. 


163 


Clotlied  them ; 
tn  prison  and  she  visited  them ; 
Ignorant  and  she  taught  them} 
For  His  sake, 
In  His  name,  and  by  His  word, 
"Who  went  about  doing  good. 
Barley  Wood,  June  17th,  1818. 

It  will  be  seen  by  the  date  that  this  beautiful  tribute  was 
given  soon  after  the  commencement  of  the  Newgate  reform. 
In  1825  in  reply  to  a  slight  request  from  Elizabeth 
Hannah  More  wrote  her  the  following  letter. 

"Mt  deab  Friend, 

Any  request  of  yours,  if  within  my  very  limited  poweif;, 
cannot  fail  to  be  immediately  complied  with.  In  your  kind 
note  I  wish  you  had  mentioned  something  of  ^your  OWD 
health,  and  that  of  your  family. 

"I  look  back  with  no  small  pleasure  to  the  too  short 
visit  vrith  which  you  once  indulged  me  ;  a  repetition  of  it 
would  be  no  little  gratification  to  me.  Whether  Divine 
Providence  may  grant  it  or  not,  I  trust,  through  Him  whc 
^oved  us  and  gave  Himself  for  us,  that  we  may  hereafter 
meet  in  that  blessed  country  where  there  is  neither  sin,  Bor-' 
row,  nor  separation. 

"  Believe  me,  my  dear  friend,  with  true  esteem  and  wansil 
affection  to  remain  yours,  sincerely,, 

«H.  MOBB., 

"Barley  Wood,  15th,  April. 

The  affection  and  esteem  expressed  with  such  Christian 
grace  was  fuU^' reciprocated  by  Mrs.  Fry  who  "  entertained 
a  high  appreciation  of  the  character  of  Hannah  More  and  oi 
the  benefits  which  she  had  conferred  upon  her  contemporai> 
ries,  especially  upon  her  country-women.    She  always  re* 


164 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


ferred  with  great  pleasure  to  her  visit  to  Barley  Wood,  and 
the  impression  made  upon  her  by  the  mingied  sweetness 
and  dignity  of  Hannah  More's  countenance  and  manner." 

Could  anything  be  more  charming  than  the  meeting  of 
two  such  women,  and  the  sisterly  love  and  admiration  they 
felt  for  each  other.  Only  the  great  can  fully  appreciate  the 
greatness  of  others,  and  none  can  be  truly  great  who  are 
not  truly  good. 

With  WUberforce  Mrs.  Fry  was  not  unfrequently  associa- 
ted in  benevolent  labors.  One  of  these  occasions  is  thus 
described : 

"The  return  of  the  season  had  brought  with  it  the  inter- 
est of  the  annual  transportation  of  convicts.  During  this 
year,  five  ships  had  been  employed  for  that  purpose.  A 
young  lady — the  daughter  of  an  Admu'al — has  often  re- 
curred to  a  farewell  visit  to  a  convict-ship,  on  the  point  of 
sailing,  in  which  she  accompanied  Elizabeth  Fry.  In  allu- 
sion to  this  visit  she  says  : — 

*'I  could  scarcely  look  upon  her  as  any  other  than  an 
angel  of  mercy,  calmly  passing  from  one  to  another  of  the 
poor  wretched  beings  around  her  with  the  word  of  counsel, 
comfort,  or  reproof  that  seemed  suited  to  each  individual 
case,  as  it  presented  itself  to  her  notice.  With  several  kind 
assistants  she  was  arranging  work  for  them  during  the  voy- 
age ;  in  it^llf  no  ttifling  matter.  But  many  a  point  of  deep- 
est interest' sfftd  anxiety  brought  to  her  ready  ear,  met  with 
Btich  re$p6fi&e  as  could  only  be  looked  for  from  a  devoted 
follower  of  Him  who  went  about  doing  good." 

"  On  the  mind  of  thi^  young  person  the  circumstance 
was  strongly  impressed  of  accompanying  her  father,  on  an- 
other occasion,  to  the  female  convict-ships  lying  oflf  Wool- 
(ncTi,  to  meet  WiUiam  Wilberforce  andElizabeth  Fry. 

"  On  board  one  of  them  between  two  and  three  hundred 


NEWGATE — CONTINUEI>. 


165 


women  were  assembled  in  order  to  listen  to  the  exhortation 

and  prayers  of  perhaps  the  two  brightest  personifications  o£ 
jChristian  philanthropy  that  the  age  could  boast.  Scarcely 
^could  two  voices,  so  distinguished  for  beauty  and  power, 
be  imagined  united  in  a  more  touching  engagement — as  in* 
deed  was  testified  by  the  breathless  attention,  the  tears,  an(^ 
the  suppressed  sobs,  of  the  gathered  listeners.  All  of 
man's  word,  however,  there  heard,  heart-stirriag  as  it  was 
at  that  time,  has  faded  from  memory ;  but  no  lapse  of  time 
can  ever  efi'ace  the  impression  of  the  107th  Psalm,  as  read 
by  Mrs.  Fry,  with  such  extraordinary  emphasis  and  intona- 
tion that  it  seemed  to  make  the  simple  reading  a  commen- 
tary; and,  as  she  passed  on  from  passage  to  passage,  it 
struck  my  youthful  mind  as  if  the  whole  series  of  allusiona 
might  have  been  written  by  the  pen  of  inspiration,  in  view  of 
Buch  a  scene  as  was  then  before  us.  At  an  interval  of  twenty 
years  it  is  recalled  to  me  as  often  as  that  Psalm  is  brought 
to  my  notice. — Never  in  this  world  can  it  be  known  to  how 
many  hearts  its  solemn  appeals  were  that  day  carried  home 
by  that  potent  voice.' " 

An  interesting  incident,  in  connection  with  these  visita 
to  the  convict  ships,  is  related  by  a  boat-captain,  afterwards 
Harbor  Master  at  Eamsgate. 

•*It  was  on  a  fine  sultry  day  in  the  summer  of  1821  that 
I  was  racing  up  the  Thames,  in  command  of  the  Kamsgat^ 
Steam  Packet,  Eagle,  hoping  to  overtake  our  Margate  com- 
petitors, the  Victory  and  Favorite  steamers,  and  bring  them 
nearer  to  view  as  we  rounded  the  points  of  the  Reach  of  th^ 
river.  It  -was  in  the  midst  of  this  excitement  that  we  en-t 
countered  one  of  those  siidden  thunder  squalls  so  commoq 
|n  this  country,  and  which,  passing  off  with  heavy  rainj 
^eave  behind  them  a  strong  and  increasing  northerly  gale. 
I  was  looking  out  ahead,  pleasing  myself  with  the  reflection 
that  we  were  the  fastest  vessel  against  a  head  wind,  and 


tea 


ELIZABETH  FET. 


Bhould  certainly  overtake  our  Margate  friends ;  when  upon 
entering  Long  Keach  about  two  miles  below  Purfleet,  I  saw 
a  boat  laboring  with  very  little  effect  against  the  gale,  and 
with  a  whole  ebb  tide  just  making,  to  add  to  their  difficul- 
ties. In  this  boat  were  two  ladies  in  the  close  habit  of  the 
Society  of  Friends,  evidently  drenched  with  the  heavy 
shower  that  had  overtaken  them.  I  was  then  a  dashing, 
high-spirited  sailor ;  but  I  had  always  a  secret  admiration 
of  the  quiet  demeanor  of  that  Society,  and  occasionally  had 
some  of  them  passengers  with  me,  always  intelligent  and 
inquiring,  and  always  pleased  with  any  information  a  sailor 
could  extend  to  them.  Well,  here  was  a  dilemma!  To 
stop  would  spoil  my  chase,  in  which  most  of  my  passengers 
jwere  as  eager  as  myself ;  but  to  go  on  and  pass  two  ladies 
in  such  a  situation !  I  passed  the  word  softly  to  the  engi- 
neer, desired  the  mate  to  sheer  alongside  the  boat  care- 
fully, threw  the  delighted  rowers  a  rope,  and,  before  the 
passengers  were  fully  aware  that  we  had  stopped  the  en- 
gines, the  ladies  were  on  board,  the  boat  made  fast  astern, 
and  the  JEagle  again  flying  up  the  Thames.  I  have  those 
two  persons  strongly,  nay,  indelibly,  stamped  upon  my 
mind's  eye.  The  one  I  had  last  assisted  on  board  still  held 
my  hand  as  she  thanked  me,  with  dignified,  but  beautiful 
expression:  'It  is  kind  of  thee  captain,  and  we  thank  thee. 
We  made  no  sign  to  thee ;  having  held  up  our  handker- 
chiefs to  the  other  packets,  we  did  not  thipk  we  should  suc- 
ceed with  thee.'  '  I'  assiired  them  that  I  could  not  have 
passed  them  under  sdch  cif6umstances,  and  called  the  stew- 
ardess to  take  them  below  into  the  ladies' cabin  and  see  tc 
their  comfort.  They  had  been  well  cloaked,  and  had  not 
suffered  so  much  as  I  had  anticipated. 

"  The  gale  had  cleared  away  the  rain,  and  in  a  very  shott 
time  they  came  upon  deck  again.  One  of  them  was  Mrs. 
Fry,  and  she  never  lost  an  opportunity  of  doing  good.  X 
saw  her  speaking  to  some  of  my  crew,  who  were  looking 
very  serious  as  she  offered  them  tracts,  and  some  of  them 


NEWGATE — CONTINUED. 


16T 


cast  a  side  glance  at  me,  for  my  approval  or  otlierwise.  I 

had  some  little  dislike  to  sects  then,  wtdch  I  thank  GoJ 
left  me  in  riper  years, — but  who  could  resist  this  beautiful, 
persuasive,  and  heavenly-minded  woman  ?  To  see  her  waa 
to  love  her ;  to  hear  her  was  to  feel  as  if  a  guardian  angel 
had  bid  you  follow  that  teaching  which  could  alone  subdue 
the  temptations  ,  and  evils  of  this  life,  and  secure  a  Re- 
deemer's love  in  eternity.  In  her  you  saw  all  that  was 
attractive  in  woman  lit  up  by  the  bright  ^beams  of  philan- 
thi'opy,  devoting  the  prime  of  life  and  health  and  personal 
grace  to  her  Divine  Master's  service;  and  I  feel  assured 
that  much  of  the  success  which  attended  her  missions  of 
mercy,  was  based  upon  that  awe  which  such  a  presence  in- 
spired.  It  was  something  to  possess  a  countenance  which 
portrayed  in  every  look  the  overflowing  of  such  a  heart  j 
and  thus,  as  a  humble  instrument  in  the  hands  of  Divinq 
Providence,  she  was  indeed  highly  favored  among  women. 

"  She  told  me  that  her  companion,  Mrs.  Prior,  and  herself 
had  been  down  to  Gravesend  to  take  leave  of  the  unfortu- 
nate women  (convicts)  on  board  a  ship  bound  to  the  settle- 
ments, and  gave  me  so  touching  a  description  of  their  be- 
haviour, that  I  volunteered  to  take  charge  of  anything  for 
her  at  any  time,  or  render  her  any  service  in  my  power,  iQ 
my  voyages.  When  about  to  land  her  anxiety  to  make 
some  pecuniary  recompense  was  very  great,  but  I  woulc! 
not  allow  her  to  do  so.  Mrs.  Fry  never  forgot  me  when  she 
came  near  our  locality.  I  saw  her  from  time  to  time,  the 
eai-thly  tabernacle  failing,  but  the  same  spii'it  lighting  up 
with  animation  her  untiring  energies.  It  was  an  honor  tc 
|mow  her  in  this  world ;  may  we  follow  her  to  the  society 
of  the  accepted  and  blessed  in  that  which  is  to  come. 

K  B.  Martin." 

"Eamsgate,  February,  1847." 


CHAPTER  SIXTH. 


EXCtmSIONS  IN  GBEAT  BRITAIN. 

Elizabetli  Fry's  first  considerable  joiiriiey  was  made  in 
the  autumn  of  1818,  shortly  after  the  commencement  of  her 
prison-reform  labors.  It  was  directed  to  the  northern  part 
of  England  and  to  Scotland,  with  a  view  both  to  religious 
visits  among  the  Friends,  and  to  an  examination  of  the 
prisons  in  those  parts  of  the  Kingdom.  She  was  accom- 
panied by  her  brother  John  Joseph  Gurney,  his  wife,  and 
one  of  her  own  daughters.  The  commencement  of  the  trip 
is  thus  described  in  her  Journal. 

Bedford,  ITorthumherland,  Eighth  Month,  25.'^. — For 
some  months  I  have  looked  to  attending  the  General  Meet- 
ing in  Scotland,  but  it  appeared  almost  impossible,  my  home 
claims  being  so  very  strong.  Indeed  the  Monthly  Meeting 
before  the  last  it  came  with  great  weight,  so  as  to  frighten 
me ;  but  I  neither  saw  outward  way  for  it,  nor  did  I  feel  the 
heart  made  willing ;  but  as  I  have  so  often  found  when  there 
is  a  real  *  putting  forth,'  way  is  made  withia  and  without ; 
60  it  has  been  now,  all  my  sweet  flock  are,  I  trust,  carefully 
provided  for ;  not  only  outward  way  has  been  made,  but  the 
williilg  heart  also  granted,  and  I  had  remarkably  sweet 
peace  and  relief  in  being  willing  to  give  up  to  it ;  such  an 
evidence  that  I  think  it  remains  undoubted  in  my  mind. 
J'riends  appeared  to  feel  much  unity  with  ma  which  was  a 


EXCUESIONS  IN  GREAT  BRITAIN. 


169 


help.  My  beloved  brother  Joseph,  and  sister  Jane  joining 
me  has  been  much  cause  for  humble  thankfulness ;  it  has 
made  what  would  have  been  very  hard  to  flesh  and  blood 
comparatively  sweet  and  easy;  we  are  a  united  band  in 
spirit  and  in  nature ;  Joseph  a  very  great  help  in  the  min- 
istry. I  think  he  is,  and  will  yet  be  more  abundantly,  au 
mstrument  of  honor  in  his  Master's  hand.  We  have  sat 
four  Meetings,  visited  several  families  of  Friends,  and  in- 
spected many  prisons,  which  is  one  of  our  objects.  In  our 
religious  services  our  graciouti  Helper  has  appeared  ver^ 
near ;  we  have  <^one  on  in  them  With  much  nearness  and 
unity;  we  know  the  blessed  truth  that,  as  we  abide  13 
Clu  ist,  we  are  one  in  Him.  I  have  felt  at  seasons  as  leav- 
ing all  for  my  Master's  sake,  and  setting  out  without  much 
oj  purse  or  scrip  ;  but  how  bountifully  I  am  provided  for,' 
both  internally  and  externally.  The  great  Shepherd  of  the 
sberip  has  been  ncir  to  me  in  spirit,  as  strength  in  my  weak^ 
ness,  riches  in  my  poverty  and  a  present  helper  in  the  needful 
time.    I  may  say, 

'Are  these  Thy  favors  day  by  day, 

To  me  above  the  rest  ? 
Then  let  me  love  Thee  more  than  they, 

And  try  to  serve  Thee  best. ' 

Conflicts  have  attended,  and  no  doubt  will  attend  me ;  but 
I  look  upon  it  as  an  honor,  a  favor  and  a  blessing,  even  to 
Bufifer  in  the  Lamb's  army,  if  we  may  but  be  of  the  number 
of  the  soldiers  who  fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  and  are  in 
any  degree  permitted  to  promote  the  cause  of  truth  and 
righteousness  upon  earth. 

"Aberdeen,  2dth. — I  have  felt  low  upon  arriving  here, 
five  hundred  miles  from  my  beloved  husband  and  children ; 
but  a  good  account  of  them  is  cause  for  thankfulness :  still 
it  is  a  deeply  weighty  thing,  and  I  have  to  try  my  ground 
again  and  again.  In  almost  every  new  place  the  language 
of  my  spirit  is,  Why  am  I  here  ?    At  this  place  we  find  sev- 


170 


ELIZABETH  FEV. 


eral  other  Friends  also  traveling  in  tte  ministiy,  which 
makes  me  feel  it  the  more ;  but  as  my  coming  is  not  of  my 
own  choice,  or  my  own  ordering,  I  desire  to  leave  it,  and  to 
commit  myself,  my  spiiit  and  body,  and  all  that  is  dear  to 
me,  absent  and  present,  to  Christ  my  Eedeemer.  We  visited 
the  old  Barclay  eeat  at  Ury  where  our  mother's  forefathers 
once  lived.    How  great  the  change  from  what  it  once  was ! 

"  Stonehaven,  Ninth  Ilonth,  2ncl. — We  left  Aberdeen 
this  afternoon,  having  finished  our  services  there,  and  at 
Kinmuck  where  several  Friends  reside.  Other  Friends  be- 
sides ourselves  being  at  Aberdeen  certainly  tended  to  in- 
crease my  exercise,  for  fear  of  the  ministry  not  going  on 
well,  or  by  not  keeping  in  our  ranks ;  but  I  think  we  were 
enabled  to  do  so,  and  although  much  passed  yet  we  had 
cause  for  thankfulness,  inasmuch  as  there  appeared  to  br 
harmonious  labor  for  the  advancement  of  ttuth  and  the 
spreading  thereof.  Our  General  Meeting  at  Aberdeen  was 
ended  under  a  feeling  of  quiet  peace  ;  but  fears  crept  in  for 
myself  that  I  had  fallen  away  a  little  as  to  life  in  the  truth, 
and  power  in  the  ministry,  for  I  did  not  experience  that 
overflowing  power  which  I  have  sometimes  done  at  such 
seasons.  Still  gracious  help  was  granted  me  from  season 
to  season.  The  day  after  the  General  Meeting  we  went  tc 
Kinmuck,  about  fifteen  miles  north  of  Aberdeen.  A  short 
time  after  our  arrival  there,  before  I  went  to  meeting,  such 
a  feeling  of  suffering  came  over  me  as  I  can  hardly  express. 
It  appeared  only  nervous,  as  I  was  so  well  ia  body  that  I 
could  not  attribute  it  to  that.  It  continued  exceedingly 
upon  sitting  down  in  Meetiiig,  and  led  me  into  deep  strong 
supphcation  that  tha  enemy  might  by  no  moans  deceive  us, 
or  cause  our  ministry  to  be  aifected  by  anything  but  tho 
holy  anointing.  I  feai'edi  :^  this  awful  state  had  to  do  with 
those  present,  that  I  shoiild  have  something  very  close  to 
express ;  if  only  with  myself  I  considered  that  it  might  be  a 
refining  trial.  However  Joseph  knelt  down  ia  the  begin- 
ning of  the  meeting,  as  well  as  myself,  and  afterwards  he 


EXOUBSIONS  IN  amsAT  SBITAIK. 


171 


epoke  as  if  he  felt  it  necessary  to  warn  some  to  flee  from 
their  evU  ways  and  from  the  bondage  of  Satan.  This  tended 
to  my  relief;  but  it  appeared  as  if  I  must  follow  him  and 
tise  with  these  words,  'The  sorrows  of  death  compassed  me 
©bout,  the  pains  of  hell  gat  hold  upon  me ; '  then  enlarging 
upon  the  feeling  I  had  of  the  power  of  the  enemy,  and 
the  absolute  need  there  is  to  watch,  to  pray,  and  to  flee 
unto  Christ  as  our  only  sure  refuge  and  deliverer.  I  had 
to  show  that  we  might  be  tried  and  buffeted  by  Satan  aa 
a  fuither  trial  of  faith  and  of  patience,  but  that  if  we  did 
not  yield  to  him,  it  would  only  tend  to  refinement. 
After  a  time  I  felt  greatly  relieved,  but  what  seeme  d  re- 
mai-kable  was  that  neither  Joseph  nor  I  dared  to  leave  the 
Meeting  without  once  more  bowing  the  knee  for  these  dear 
friends.  But  after  all  this  very  deep  and  remarkable  exer- 
cise a  solemn  silence  prevailed,  really  as  if  truth  had  riseo 
into  dominion ;  and  after  my  making  some  such  acknowledg- 
ment in  testimony,  that  our  low  estate  had  been  regai'ded, 
that  our  souls  could  then  magnify  the  Lord,  and  our  spnits 
rejoice  in  God  oui"  Saviour,  that  light  had  risen  in  obscurity, 
and  darkness  had,  in  measui-e,  become  as  the  noon-day,  and 
the  encouragement  it  was  for  us  to  run  with  patience  the 
race  that  was  set  before  us,  &c.,  the  Meeting  concluded, 
and  I  think  upon  shaking  hands  with  the  Friends  there 
hardly  appeai'ed  an  eye  that  had  not  been  weeping,  amongst 
those  that  were  grown  up.  Tliis  whole  exercise  was  very 
remarkable  in  a  nice  httle  country  meeting,  and  the  external 
BO  fair;  but  afterwards  we  heard  of  one  or  two  painful 
things,  one  in  particular.  We  visited  nearly  all  the  families, 
were  pleased  with  some  of  them :  their  mode  of  living  truly 
humble  like  our  cottagers.  The  next  day  we  had  a  Meeting 
«vith  a  few  Friends  at  Aberdeen  where  the  exercise  was  not 
very  great  and  the  flow  in  the  ministry  sweet,  and  I  trust 
powerful.  We  parted  from  our  beloved  friends,  John  and 
Elizabeth  Wigham,  their  children,  and  children's  children, 
^and  are  now  on  our  way  to  Edinbuigh. 


172 


IXIZABETH  FBY. 


"ffamc^,  15th.-— -I  may  thankfully  acknowledge  being  so 
far  on  our  way,  but  our  joarney  thi'ough  life  is  a  little  like 
a  common  jom-ney ;  we  may,  after  a  day's  traveling,  Lie  down 
and  rest,  but  we  have  on  the  morrow  to  set  oflf  again  upon 
our  travels:  so  I  find  my  joui'ney  in  life.  I  am  not  unfre^ 
quently  permitted  to  come  for  a  short  time  to  a  sweet,  quiet 
resting-place ;  but  I  find  that  I  soon  have  to  set  forth  again. 
1  was  glad  and  relieved  in  leaving  Aberdeen,  and  then  a 
fresh  work  began  in  Edinburgh.  On  Seventh  day  we 
visited  the  prisons,  accompanied  by  some  gentlemen,  the 
Ijord  Provost  and  others.,  ^  Here  we  were  much  interested. 
On  Fii'st-day  we  went  in  the  morning  to  Meeting,  and  werei 
favored  to  do  well ;  many  were  not  Friends ;  and  what  were 
my,  feelings  in  the  evening  to  find  a  considerable  number  of 
people,  quite  a  Public  Meeting.  It  gave  me  a  great  deal  of 
alai'm,  but  we  had  a  good  Meeting  and  I  trust  the  cause  was 
exsdted.":,  The  morning  before  we  came  away  about  eighteeni 
gentlemefi"  and  ladies  came  to  breakfast  with  us,  amongst 
them  Sir  George  and  Lady  Grey,  good  people  whom  I  have 
long  wished  to  know:  we  had,  after  breakfast,  a  solemn 
time; '  Alexander  Cruickshank  read,  and  afterwards  I  knelt 
down,  and  I  think  we  were  di'a\vn  together  in  love  and  unity 
of  spirit.  We  ai"rived  at  Glasgow  that  evening  and  the  next 
jday  visited  the  prisons,  and  formed  a  Ladies  Committee. 
We  visited  some  families  the  next  day,  and,  accompanied  b^ 
several  gentlemen,  magistrates  and  others,  we  again  went 
to  the  Bridewell  and  Prison,  where  I  had  to  start  the  Com- 
itiittee  in  their  proceedings ;  it  was  awful  to  me,  having  to, 
bow  the  knee  for  a  blessing,  before  so  many  who  were 
^ti-angers  to  our  ways,  but  blessed  be  the  Lord,  the  power 
of  truth  appeared  to  be  over  all,  so  that  I  remembered  these 
svords,  'Piejoice  not  that  the  spii'its  are  made  subject  unto 
!you,  but  rather  rejoice  that  your  names  are  written  in 
]^eaven.'  We  had  two  meetings,  one  in  the  morning  for 
f'riends,  but  many  others  came,  and  one  to  my  deep  humili- 
ation in  the  evening  for  the  pubUc.   Awful  work  it  was :  we 


EXOUBSrONS  TS  QEKAT  BBITAIIT. 


i7a 


«7ore  favored  to  get  througli  well,  and  to  leave  Glasgow 
with  clear  minds.  We  have  since  traveled  through  great 
part  of  Cumberland,  attended  many  meetings  there,  som^ 


ence  and  Power  of  the  Most  High ; — thence  to  KendaL 

"  At  Liverpool  was  the  next  meeting  we  attended ;  it  was 
a  large  public  one,  and  so  it  has  been  in  many  places.  I 
deeply  felt  it,  I  hardly  dared  to  raise  my  eyes  because  of 
the  feathers  and  ribbons  before  me.  However  best  help  was 
afforded,  to  my  very  great  relief  and  consolation ;  truth  ap- 
peared to  be  in  great  dominion.  After  a  sweet  uniting  timfi 
•with  the  Benson  family,  we  left  Liverpool  for  Eiiowsley^ 
the  seat  of  the  Earl  of  Derby,  as  we  had  a  pressing  invitiar 
lion  from  Lady  Derby.  We  were  received  with  the  utmost 
kindness  and  openness  by  all  this  very  large  household.  A 
palace  was  now  our  allotment ;  a  cottage  has  been  so  during 
oiu-  journey.  My  internal  feeling  was  humiliation  and  self-- 
abasement: 

'•  Knoiosley,  2ith. — Here  we  are,  all  the  family  about  tO 
be  collected  for  a  religious  opportunity.  Lord,  be  pleased 
to  be  with  us,  to  own  us  by  Thy  life-giving  presence,  and 
help  us  by  Thy  Spirit,  for  it  is  a  very  awful  time.  Make 
ns.  Thy  unworthy  children,  fit  for  Thy  service,  and  touch 
our  lips  as  with  a  live  coal  from  Thy  altar,  for  we  are  un- 
worthy to  take  Thy  great  and  ever-excellent  name  into  our 
mouths.  Thou,  Lord,  only  knowest  the  state  of  Thy  un* 
worthy  servant ;  help  her  infirmities,  blot  out  her  transgres- 
sions, and  enable  her  to  show  forth  Thy  praise,  if  consistent 
with  Thy  ho^y  will,  that  all  may  be  more  abundantly  com 


beloved  Son,  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

'■^Sheffield,  ^%th. — After  writing  the  above  I  was  sum- 
moned into  the  dining-room,  where  the  family  were  assem- 
bled— I  should  think  in  all  nearly  a  hundred.    My  beloved 
brother  read  the  tliird  chapt  er  of  John ;  there  was  then  a  - 
solemn  pause,  and  I  found  it  my  place  to  kneel  down,  pray- 


very  important  ones,  and  some 


verted  unto  Thee,  and  brougl 


;ht  into  the  knowledge  of  Thy 


174 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


ing  for  a  blessing  upon  the  house  and  family,  and  giving 

thanks  for  the  mercies  bestowed  upon  them;  particularly 
In  the  time  of  their  affliction,  in  having  been  supported  by 
the  everlasting  Arm ;  and  prayer  arose  for  its  being  sancti- 
fied unto  them.  The  large  party  appeared  humbled  and 
tendered.  Then  dearest  Joseph  arose  and  was  greatly 
helped  by  the  power  of  the  Spirit.  I  followed  him  mth  a 
Cew  words.  Many  of  the  party  were  in  tears ;  some  exceed- 
ingly affected.  Joseph  then  knelt  down,  greatly  helped ; 
the  service  principally  fell  upon  him.  After  he  rose  I  re- 
■ninded  them  of  the  words  of  our  blessed  Kedeemer,  that 
'whosoever  giveth  a  disciple  a  cup  of  cold  water  in  the  name 
of  a  disciple,  shall  receive  a  disciple's  reward.'  This,  I  said, 
[  humbly  trusted  would  be  their  case.  I  also  alluded  to 
their  servant's  kindness  in  the  same  way.  Thus  ended  this 
memorable  occasion.  It  was  hke  what  we  read  of  in, 
Friends'  journals  formerly,  when  the  power  appeai'ed  to  be 
over  all  in  a  very  extraordinary  manner.  I  remember  in 
John  Richardson's  jommal  some  such  account.  So  it  is, — 
and  this  is  not,  and  cannot  be,  our  own  work ;  surely  it  is 
the  Lord's  doing,  and  marvelous  in  our  eyes. 

Earlham,  Tenth  Month,  6iA.-r-0nce  more  arrived  at 
this  interesting  place  that  has  so  long  been  a  home  to  me. 
I  will  go  back  to  where  I  left  off.  Our  visit  tp  Sheffield 
was  an  important  one ;  I  had  so  deeply  to  feel  for  a  beloved 
Friend  who  has  long  been  a  mother  in  Israel,  under  heavy 
family  affliction.  Oh!  what  I  felt  for  her  in  meeting  and 
but  of  meeting  I  cannot  describe ;  my  spirit  was  in  strong 
mtercession  for  her  preservation  and  support  imder  these 
deep  tribulations.  We  had  a  favored  meeting  in  the  morn- 
ing, though  I  had  indeed  to  go  through  the  depths  before 
I  ascended  the  heights.  By  the  desire  of  my  dear  brother 
we  had  a  Public  Meeting  in  the  evening,  which  was  well 
got  through,  but  not  without  suffering.  We  then  proceeded 
to  York ;  I  can  hardly  express  how  deeply  I  felt  entering 
that  Quarterly  Meeting;  'fears  got  hold  upon  mej'stil] 


EXOUBSIONS  IS  OBEAT  BBITAHT. 


175 


hope  arose  underneath  that  this  one  of  our  services,  as  to 
our  northern  journey,  would  crown  all,  and  so  I  think  ii 
proved.  Not  only,  from  service  to  service,  and  from  meet" 
ing  to  meeting,  did  the  holy,  blessed,  anointing  Power  ap» 
pear  to  be  abundantly  poured  forth  upon  the  speakers,  but 
upon  the  hearers  also.  Where  I  feared  most,  I  found  least 
to  fear ;  such  unity  of  spuit,  such  a  flow  of  love  and  life,  aa 
quite  refreshed,  encouraged  and  comforted  my  soul.  I  wai» 
much  rejoiced  to  find  so  many  fathers  and  mothers  amongst 
them.  '  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul !  and  all  that  is  within 
me  bless  His  holy  name ! — Praise  and  exalt  Him  above  all 
forever!'  might  then  have  been  the  language  of  my  soul. 

"We  traveled  on  to  Lynn,  and  there  my  brother  with  his 
dear  Jane  left  me.  At  the  meetings  there  I  felt  as  if  I  had 
to  minister  almost  without  the  power,  and  yet  that  I  must 
yield  to  the  service ;  but  I  was  so  fearful  and  weak  at  both 
meetings  that  truth  did  not  appear  in  dominion.  Perhaps 
I  found  the  change  after  York,  and  missed  my  dear  brother 
Joseph.  I  often  minister  as  if  in  bonds ;  this  is  very  hum- 
bling— so  many  fears,  so  many  doubts  arising;  this  was 
the  case  in  nearly  aU  my  services  during  the  day." 

."La  the  course  of  this  northern  journey,  J.  J.  Gurney 
and  his  sister  had  visited  the  prisons  of  the  several  towns 
through  which  they  passed.  They  found  them  to  be  gener- 
ally in  a  condition  of  the  most  disgraceful  neglect — and  the 
hardships,  and  even  cruelty  endured  by  the  inmates  were 
harrowing  in  the  extreme  to  the  tender  nature  of  Elizabeth 
Fry. 

"But  the  cases  of  the  poor  limatics  confined  in  some  ol 
those  abodes  of  misery,  made,  above  all,  a  most  powerfuj 
impression  on  her  heart,  and  induced  a  sympathy  with  such 
as  were  afflicted  with  this  heaviest  of  physical  maladies,  tha^ 
continued  deeply  to  influence  her  feelings  through  life.' 

"  The  results  of  their  observations  were  pubhshed  in  a 
pamphlet — '  Notes  on  a  Visit  to  Prisons,  &c.,  by  J.  J.  Gur- 
ney and  Elizabeth  Fry.' 


t7C 


ELIZABETH  FEY. 


"To  such' persons  as  were  interested  in  Prison  Eeform, 
this  book  afforded  much  matter  for  reflection.  Whilst  they 
deplored  the  evils  described,  they  rejoiced  that  they  should 
be  brought  to_  light^as  the  first  step  towards  their  being 
remedied. 

"The  voice  of  Elizabeth  Fry  was  heard  and  her  appeals 
were  promptly  responded  to.  Her  brother,  in  writing  of 
this  northern  journey  says:  'she  exhibited  a  perfect  tact 
and  propriety  in  her  transactions,  and  well  knew,  when  in 
f)ursuit  of  such  objects  how  to  soothe  all  asperities,  influ- 
ence all  parties,  and  overcome  the  greatest  difficulties.'  In 
confirmation  of  which  some  passages  may  be  quoted  from  a 
letter  written  by  a  Scotch  lady  who  accompanied  her  when 
she  visited  the  prisons  at  Glasgow. 

" '  She  found  our  prisons  very  badly  managed,'  &c.,  and 
*has  left  a  letter  for  the  magistrates.'  She  had  an  interview 
with  them,  and  this  evening  a  number  of  ladies  met  at  the 
Bridewell.'"..  She  told  them  with  much  simplicity  what  had 
been  done  at  Newgate.  She  entered  into  pleasant  conver- 
sation with'  every  one  and  all  were  delighted  when  she 
offered  to  speak  a  little  to  the  poor  women.  But  the  keeper 
of  the  Bridewell  said  he  feared  it  was  a  dangerous  experi- 
ment ;  that  they  never,  but  by  compulsion  listened  to  read- 
ing, and  were  generally  disposed  to  turn  anything  of  the 
kind  into  ridicule.  She  said  that  she  was  not  \vithout  fears 
of  this  happening,  but  she  thought  it  right  to  attempt  it. 
The  women,  about  a  hundred,  were  then  assembled  in  a 
large  room,  and  we  went  in,  misdoubting  and  anxious.  Sh& 
took  off  her  bonnet  and  sat  down  on  a  low  seat,  fronting 
the  women ;  then  looking  at  them  with  a  kind,  conciliating 
^ye,  yet  an  eye  sthat  met  every  eye  there,  she  said,  'I  had 
bstter  just  tell  you  what  we  are  come  about.'  She  told 
them  she  had  to  deal  with  a  great  number  of  poor  women^ 
sadly  wicked,  and  in  what  manner  they  were  recovered  from 
evil.  Her  language  was  scriptural,  always  referring  to  our 
Saviour's  promises,  and  cheering  with  holy  hop;  these  dis- 


EXCURSIOKS  IN  GREAT  BBITAIK. 


177 


isolute  beings.  'Would  not  you  like  to  turn  from  that 
which  is  wrong?  Would  not  you  like  for  ladies  to  visit 
you,  and  speak  comfort  to  you,  and  help  you  to  become 
better?  Sm-ely  you  would  tell  them  your  griefs ;  they  who 
have  done  evil  have  many  sorrows.'  As  she  read  to  them 
the  Rules,^  asking  them,  if  approved  to  hold  up  their 
hands,  all  hands  were  upraised,  and  as  soon  as  she  spoke 
tears  began  to  flow.  One  very  beautiful  girl  near  me  had 
her  eyes  swimming  with  tears,  and  her  lips  moved  as  if  fol- 
lowing Mrs.  Fry.  One  old  woman  who  held  her  Bible  we 
saw  clasping  it  with  emotion  as  she  became  more  and  more 
impressed.  The  hands  were  ready  to  rise  at  every  pause, 
and  these  callous  and  obdurate  offenders  were  with  one 
consent  bowed  before  her.  Then  she  took  the  Bible  and 
vead  the  parables  of  the  lost  sheep,  the  piece  of  silver,  and 
the  prodigal  son. 

*It  is  impossible  for  me  to  express  to  you  the  effect  oi 
her  saintly  voice,  while  speaking  such  blessed  words.  She 
often  paused  and  looked  at  the  poor  women  with  a  sweet- 
aess  that  won  their  confidence,  applying,  with  beauty  and 
taste  all  the  parts  of  the  story  to  them,  and  ia  a  manner  I 
never  before  heard, — and  particularly  the  words,  '  His  father 
Baw  him  when  he  was  yet  afar  off.'  A  solemn  pautre  suc- 
ceeded the  reading.  Then  resting  the  large  Bible  on  the 
ground  we  saw  her  on  her  knees  before  them.  Her  prayer 
was  devout  and  soothing,  and  her  musical  voice,  iu  the  pecu. 
Jiar,  sweet  tones  of  the  Quakers,  seemed  like  the  voice  of  a 
toother  to  her  suffering  child. 

*In  the  prison  of  Glasgow,  the  emotions  were  much 
jmore  varied  than  at  Bridewell — astonishing  repugnance, 
and  in  some  instances  obstinate  resistance  to  listen;  in 
others  anxious  desire  to  accept  her  aid.  She  read  and  con- 
versed with  them,  and  the  proposal  of  work  was  iu  general'^ 
greedily  received.  How  different  were  the  impressions  in 
the  various  figures  before  her !  One  old  woman,  with  the 
p^ppearance  of  a  menial  servant,  and  hardened  features,  said 


178 


ELIZABETH  FB.1. 


*No!  no  use  work!'  But  these  rugged  lines  were  at 
iengtli  relaxed,  and  I  saw  a  tear  fall  over  the  brown  visage. 
But  it  was  not  the  prisoners  alone;  for  there  was  not  a  man 
in  the  room  unmoved.'  ". 

Many  letters  were  received  after  the  publication  of  tha 
"Notes;"  among  them  the  following  from  the  Countess 
Hai'coui't. 

My  Deak  and  Most  Eespected  Feiexd  :  • 
It  is  impossible  to  have  read  the  excellent  publication 
giving  an  account  of  your  tour  with  Mr.  Giu'ney,  without 
being  most  anxious  to  express  the  satisfaction  Lord  Har- 
court  and  I  received  from  the  work.  He  read  it  to  me,  and 
there  was  scarcely  a  page  at  which  wo  did  not  stop  to  ex- 
claim our  admiration  of  the  justness  of  the  remarks,  and 
our  earnest  wishes  that  they  might  prove  the  means  of 
ameliorating  the  system  of  our  prisons.  We  felt  that 
each  word  gave  conviction  to  our  minds,  and  the  beauty  of 
the  style  certainly  added  to  the  gratification  of  reading  it. 
Oh !  my  good  friend,  what  a  blessed  tour  you  have  made, 
and  may  Heaven  reward  your  wonderful  exertions,  by 
making  them  effectual  to  the  purpose  intended. 

"I  ought  not  to  use  the  word  envy,  but  I  cannot  help 
feeling  the  great  difference  between  the  manner  ia  whicii 
your  life  is  spent  and  my  own.  You  ought  indeed  to  ba 
thankful  that  it  has  pleased  God  'to  put  into  your  mind 
good  desu-es,'  and  to  have  given  you  heaitli  to  go  through 
such  arduous  undertakings."/ 

Eai-ly  in  the  following  year,'howeTer,  the  reaction  cam& 
from  her  "  great  and  varied  exertions,"  and  she  was  obliged 
to  spend  several  Aveeks  in  recruiting  her  health  at  Brighton. 

Also  the  secret  troubles  of  her  heart  were  becoming  en- 
larged from  the  gTowing  cloud  of  differences  in  her  hornet 


EZCUBSIONS  IN  OBEAT  BBlTAIS. 


179 


of  which  she  is  compelled  very  rarely  to  speak  in  her  Jotus 
nal.  After  visiting  her  sister  Priscilla  in  a  dangerous  ill- 
ness, she  ■writes : 

"  Since  I  have  left  her  sick  room  sorrow  and  deep  dis- 
couragement have  been  my  portion  from  the  extreme  diffi- 
culty of  doing  right  toward  those  most  near ;  it  does  ap- 
pear at  times  impossible  for  me,  but  most  likely  this  arises 
from  want  of  more  watchfulness,  and  more  close  abiding  in 
the  Light  and  Life  of  our  Lord.  When  I  exercise  a  watch- 
ful care  from  seeing  the  dangers  that  attend  some,  it  seems 
to  give  the  greatest  pain,  and  so  causes  me  the  deepest  dis- 
couragement. Still,  yesterday,  in  the  great  and  bitter  sor- 
row of  my  heart,  I  found  in  a  remarkable  manner  the  power 
of  my  Redeemer  near,  even  helping  by  His  own  good  Spirit 
and  presence.  When  I  felt  almost  ready  to  sink,  and  my 
footsteps  indeed  ready  to  slip — then  the  Lord  held  me  up. 
In  the  first  place,  after  a  very  little  while  from  having  beer 
deeply  wounded,  my  heart  overflowed  with  love  and  for- 
giveness towards  the  one  who  had  pained  me,  and  I  felt, 
what  would  I  not  do  for  the  individual?  and  a  most  anxious 
deshe  if  I  had  missed  it  to  make  it  up  by  every  means  in  my 
power.  Thus  when  I  had  feared  discouragements  would 
have  almost  overwhelmed  my  spirit,  there  was  such  a  calm- 
ing, blessed  and  cheering  influence  came  over  my  heart  that 
it  was  like  the  sick  coming  to  the  Saviour  formerly,  and 
being  immediately  healed ;  so  that  I  was  not  even  able  to 
mourn  over  my  calamity.  It  appeared  as  if  '  the  Holy  One 
tvho  inhabiteth  Eternity,'  would  not  give  me  over  to  the 
wUl  of  my  enemies." 

We  are  nowhere  informed  as  to  the  particular  nature  of 
this  skeleton  in  the  house  of  Elizabeth  Fry.  It  is  but  just, 
however,  that  we  should  know  that  her  path  was  not  all  sun- 
shine, that  she  often  carried  a  heavy  heart  on  missions  ol 
love  to  the  sorrowing,  and  that  in  ministering  consolation  to 


180 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


others  she  referred  them  to  a  Fountain  of  which  she  was  ia 
the  habit  of  herself  drinking  largely.  Perhaps  something  of 
this  kind  was  needful  to  her,  like  the  thorn  in  the  flesh 
which  kept  Paul  weighted  down  for  his  work.  After  the 
passage ^iven  above,  Mrs.  Corder  remarks; 

''fiPsrh'aps  few  will  read  the  preceding  extract  without 
perceiving  something  of  the  deep  and  hidden  sorrow  which 
often  weighed  down  the  spirit,  and  preyed  also  on  the  bodily 
frame  of  this  precious  follower  of  the  Lamb.  It  is  not 
needful  to  attempt  to  penetrate  the  veil  that  conceals  from 
the  eye  of  the  stranger  the  circumstances  that  rendered  her 
path  of  life  a  tribulated  one :  it  is  enough  to  know  that  her 
perplexities  and  distresses  were  endured  with  meek  submis- 
sion, and  a  degree  of  forbearance  that  could  only  be  the 
effect  of  that  state  of  watching  unto  prayer  with  all  perse- 
verance in  which  she  was  so  remarkably  preserved ;  and  by 
which  she  was  kept,  through  all  her  mental  vicissitudes  ap 
in  a  region  of  iQve." 

In  deference  to  this  judgment  we  may  well  repress  our 
curiosity  while  giving  increased  love  and  admiraition  to  one 
who  could  thus,  out  of  her  ovra  heart's  experience,  comfort 
the  poor  and  the  afflicted. 

I  again  quote  from  Mrs.  Corder's  notes,  which  sometimes 
supplement  the  information  contained  in  the  original 
memoir. 

"The  weighty  responsibilities  of  Newgate  did  not  pre- 
clude other  objects  of  public  interest,  to  some  of  which 
Elizabeth  Fry  devoted  much  attention.  Among  these  was 
^  'nightly  shelter  for  the  houseless.'  During  the  rigorous 
Winter  of  1819-20,  the  sufferings  of  houseless  wanderers 
called  for  prompt  relief.   The  heart  of  this  Christian  phil- 


EX0UKSION3  IN  GREAT  BRITAIN. 


181 


anthropist  was  deeply  touclied  by  some  affecting  cases.  In 
one  instance  a  little  boy  who  had  in  vain  begged  at  many 
houses  for  the  few  half-pence  required  to  procure  admit- 
tance to  some  passage  or  cellar,  was  found  frozen  to  death 
on  the  step  of  a  door !  An  asylum  was  immediately  pro- 
vided. It  was  well  warmed,  nutritious  soup  was  prepared 
night  and  morning,  with  a  ration  of  bread  for  each  of  the 
Inmates,  who  were  also  furnished  with  beds.  Employment 
in  various  ways  was  procured ;  and  the  bounty  of  the  pub- 
lic flowed  in  to  encourage  the  hearts  and  strengthen  the 
efforts  of  the  benevolent  persons  who  united  in  laboring  for 
the  management  and  success  of  the  establishment.  Many 
hundreds  were,  night  after  night,  admitted — great  numbers 
who  could  not  be  accommodated  at  the  'Shelter,'  were  sup- 
plied with  food,  clothing  and  the  means  of  procuring  lodg« 
ings  elsewhere.  The  females  were  placed  under  the  care  of 
a  'Ladies'  Committee,'  with  Elizabeth  Fry  at  their  head." 

The  following  brief  review,  bears  date  August  1820. 

"  19th. — I  have  this  day  been  married  twenty  years ;  my 
heart  feels  much  overwhelmed  at  the  remembrance  of  it — it 
has  been  an  eventful  time.  I  trust  that  I  have  not  gone 
really  backwards  spiritually,  as  I  think  I  have,  in  mercy, 
certainly  increased  in  the  knowledge  of  God  and  Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord ;  but  this  has  been  through  much  suffering. 
I  doubt  my  being  in  so  lively  a  state  as  ten  years  ago,  when 
first  coming  forth  in  the  ministry ;  but  I  believe  I  may  say 
that  I  love  my  Lord  above  all — as  far  as  I  know — far  above 
every  natural  tie;  although  in  His  infinite  wisdom  and 
mercy  He  has  been  pleased,  at  times,  to  look  upon  me  with 
A  frowning  Providence.  If  I  have  lately  grown  at  all,  it 
has  been  in  the  root,  not  in  the  branch,  as  there  is  but  little 
appearance  of  good,  or  fruit,  as  far  as  I  can  see.  In  the 
course  of  these  twenty  years  my  abode  has  often  been  in 
the  valley  of  deep  humiliation ;  still  the  Loid  has  beer,  my 


182 


ELIZABETH  TRY. 


stay,  and  I  may  say  througli  all  iias  deali  bountifully  witb 
me.  Ass  jredly  He  has  raised  me  up  from  season  to  season, 
enabled  me  to  speak  -well  of  His  name  and  led  me  to  plead 
the  caase  of  the  poor  and  those  that  are  in  bonds,  naturally 
and  spiritually." 

After  a  visit  to  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  Essex  in  the  fall 
of  1820,  she  writes: 

"  4i/i. — I  returned  yesterday  from  finishing  visiting  the 
Monthly  and  Quarterly  Meetings  in  Esses.  I  was  carried 
through  the  service  to  my  own  sui-prise ;  I  felt  so  remarkably 
low,  so  unworthy,  so  unfit,  and  as  if  I  had  little  or  nothing 
to  communicate  to  them ;  but  I  was  marvelously  helped 
from  meeting  to  meeting ;  strength  so  ai'ose  with  the  occa- 
sion that  the  fear  of  man  was  taken  from  me,  and  I  was  en- 
abled to  declare  gospel  truths  boldly.  This  is  to  me  won- 
derful ;  and  unbelievers  may  say  what  they  will,  it  must  ba 
the  Lord's  doing,  and  it  is  marvelous  in  our  eyes — how  He 
Btrengtheneth  them  that  have  no  might,  and  helpsth  them 
that  have  no  power.  The  peace  I  felt  after  these  services 
seemed  to  flow  like  a  river,  for  a  time  covering  all  my  carea 
and  sorrows,  so  that  I  might  truly  say,  '  There  is  even  here 
a  rest  for  the  people  of  God.'  I  am  sure,  from  my  own  ex- 
perience, there  is  nothing  brings  the  same  satisfying,  heart- 
consoling  feeling.  -^It  is  to  me  a  powerful  internal  evidence 
of  the  truth  of  revealed  religion,  that  it  is  indeed  a  substan- 
tial truth,  not  a  cunningly  devised  fable.  My  skeptical 
doubting  mind  has  been  convinced  of  the  truth  of  religion, 
not  by  the  hearing  of  the  ear,  but  by  what  I  have  actually 
handled  and  tasted  and  known  for  myself,  of  the  word  of 
life,  may  I  not  say  of  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation." 

Another  _  milestone  on  ..this  eventful  journey  reads  as  fol» 
lows: 


EXC0ESIONS  IN  GEEAT  BEITAIN. 


183 


*^  Eighth  Month,  IQth,  1822. — ^Yesterday  was  our  wed- 
ding-day ;  we  have  been  married  twenty-two  years.  How 
many  dispensations  have  I  passed  through  since  that  time  ! 
how  have  I  been  raised  up  and  cast  down !  How  has  a  way 
been  made  in  the  depths  and  a  path  in  the  mighty  waters ! 
I  have  known  much  of  good  health  and  real  sickness;  gi'eat 
bodily  suffering,  and  deep  depression  of  spirits. 

"  I  have  known  the  ease  of  abundance  of  riches  and  the 
sorrow  and  perplexity  of  comparative  deprivation.  I  have 
known  to  the  full  I  think  the  enjoyment  of  domestic  life — 
even  what  might  be  called  the  fullness  of  blessing,  and  also 
some  of  its  most  sorrowful  and  most  painful  reverses.  I 
have  known  the  abounding  of  the  unspeakable  and  soul- 
satisfying  joy  of  the  Lord ;  and  I  have  been  brought  into 
states  when  the  depths  had  well-nigh  swallowed  me  up.  I 
have  known  great  exaltation  amongst  my  fellow  mortals, 
and  also  deep  humiliation.  I  have  known  the  sorrow  of 
some  most  tenderly  beloved  being  taken  from  me  by  death, 
and  others  given  me — hitherto  more  given  than  taken. 

"What  is  the  result  of  all  this  experience  ?  It  is  even 
that  the  Lord  is  gracious  and  very  merciful ;  that  His  com- 
passions fail  not,  but  are  renewed  every  morning.  And 
may  I  not  say  that  His  goodness  and  mercy  have  followed 
me  all  the  days  of  my  life  ?  Though  He  has  at  times  per- 
mitted me,  amidst  many  unspeakable  blessings,  to  pass 
through  imutterable  sorrows,  known  only  to  the  full  extent 
by  Him  and  my  own  soul,  yet  hath  He  been  an  all-sufficient 
Helper.  His  right  hand  hath  sustained  me  and  held  me  up, 
blessed  be  His  name  forever.  He  hath  never  forgotten  to 
be  gracious,  nor  hath  He  shut  up  His  tender  mercies  from 
me.  May  I  not  indeed  raise  up  my  Ebenezer  and  acknowl- 
edge that  there  is 'no  God  like  our  God,'  and  that  it  is  a 
most  blessed  thing  to  serve  Him,  even  if  it  be  by  Avay  of  the 
cross ;  for  He  is  indeed  worthy  to  be  served,  worshipped 
and  obeyed  now  and  forever.  Above  all  I  pray  for  myself^ 
that  whatever  dispensations  I  may  yet  pass  nothing  may 


181 


ELIZABETH  FEY. 


separate  me  from  His  love  or  hinder  me  from  His  service; 

but  that  I  may  be  increasingly  and  entirely  devoted  to 
Him  in  heart,  mind  and  spirit,  through  the  help  of  my 
r^ost  dear  and  blessed  Redeemer. 

"Twelfth  Month,  2nd  (1822).— Yesterday,  at  Meeting, 
the  truth  rose  into,  ihuch  dominion,  blessed  be  the  name  of| 
the  Lord.  I  was  enabled  to  supplicate  and  minister,  to  my 
own  relief,  and  I  trust  to  the  refreshment  of  others ;  also 
my  deai"est  brother  Joseph,  Rebecca  Chi-isty,  and  my  sister, 
Elizabeth  Fry,  in  prayer.  It  appeared  a  solemn  time ;  the 
day,  generally  speaking,  a  favored  one ;  but  in  the  night  I 
was  deeply  brought  to  a  sense  of  my  own  weakness.  If 
the  beautiful  garments  spiritually  were  put  on  in  the  morn- 
ing, surely  they  were  taken  off  at  night.  What  are  we,  but 
instruments,  however,  for  a  season  decorated  with  the 
Lord's  ornaments?  Self  cannot  boast  when  left  to  our- 
selves, and  our  ornaments  taken  off.  How  wonderful  is  the 
work  of  the  Spirit ! — how  it  heals  and  raises  up  body  and 
soul  when  they  are  brought  into  service!  None  can  tell, 
but  those  who  have  experienced  something  of  it,  how  the 
anoiuting  is  poured  forth  from  on  high.  It  is  an  honor  I  am 
unworthy  of,  to  be  thus  helped  spuitually,  particularly  in 
the  ministry.  But  how  deeply  doth  my  spirit  crave  that  I 
may  also  be  aided  in  all  the  practical  duties  of  Ufe." 

During  this  period  Elizabeth  Fry  was  earnestly  engaged 
with  her  Newgate  readings,  and  it  is  remarkable  how  rap- 
idly her  intellectual  powers  developed  imder  the  influence 
of 'this  powerful  stimulus.  She  was  about  thirty-seven 
yeais  of  age  when  this  work  began  which  brought  her  at 
once  into  a  notoriety  that  placed  an  immense  strain  on  her 
whole  being.  Had  she  not  been  well  endowed  with  naturaJ 
force  of  mind  she  would  soon  have  shrunk,  with  her  acci- 
dental fame,  into  retu-ement.  And,  beyond  this,  had  she 
not  had  strong  religious  faith,  which  brought  her  inwaard 


KX0TTESI0N3  IN  GEKAT  BRITAIN. 


185 


support,  and  a  stimulus  equally  powerful,  the  same  result 
must  have  followed.  But  between  the  inward  and  the  out- 
ward fires  her  mental  and  moral  being  blossomed  out  with 
a  tropical  luxuriance  most  admirable  to  witness,  and  worthy 
of  the  reverent  applause  so  freely  bestowed  upon  it.  So 
■  far  from  exciting  vanity,  this  only  increased  her  modesty 
/and  her  humble  dependence  on  what  she  well  knew  to  be 
the  real  Source  of  her  strength.  There  was  not  the  slight- 
est cant  in  her  humility  or  her  ascriptions  of  praise.  God 
was  known  in  her  heart  for  a  refuge  and  a  very  present 
help ;  and  pure  love  and  gratitude,  no  less  than  her  sense 
of  justice,  made  it  the  crown  of  her  joy  to  glorify  her  Lord 
for  the  grace  and  wisdom  so  evidently  bestowed.  She 
says: 

*'  In  nothing  has  the  work  of  grace  been  so  marvelous  to 
me  as  in  the  ministry.  It  surely  is  not  my  work ; — I  know 
enough  of  myself  to  believe  it  to  be  quite  impossible.  Oh, 
what  an  unction  I  now  and  then  feel!  It  is  as  much  to  be 
felt  strengthening  the  soul,  as  the  body  is  felt  to  be  re« 
freshed  after  wholesome  good  food.  The  work  of  the  Spirit 
is  a  wonderful  work;  and  to  my  naturally  doubting  and 
skeptical  mind  astonishing." 

"jPlashet,  /Second  Month,  13th. — I  attended  Tottenham 
Meeting  on  the  2nd.  I  went  low,  and  under  deep  exercise 
of  mind ;  I  returned  iu  measure  relieved,  though  naturally 
upset  with  many  fears.  I  hardly  ever  remember  being  en- 
gaged in  a  service  where  doubts  and  fears  beset  me  to  an 
equal  extent.  On  First-day,  the  9th,  we  were  at  Devonshire 
House ;  it  was  an  extraordinary  meeting.  I  desire  in  more 
simplicity  of  faith  to  attend  the  other  meetings.  I  think  I 
have  been  too  anxious,  too  fearful.  If  the  work  be  not  ours 
why  worry  and  perplex  myself  about  it  ? 

"  19iA.— Since  writing  the  above  T  attended  the  Peel 


186 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


Meeting  on  First-clay,  wliicii  •wa<?  to  the  great  relief  of 
my  mind.  Since  that  time  my  bonds  have  appeared  won- 
derfully broken,  my  spirit  has  had  to  rejoice  and  be  glad, 
and  my  fears  have  been  removed,  so  that  I  can  indeed  say, 
how  mai'velous  is  the  work  of  the  Spirit! 

"  On  Second-day  I  dined  at  the  Mansion  House,  with  my 
husband ;  a  change  of  atmosphere,  spiritually,  but  if  we  are 
enabled  to  abide  in  Christ,  and  stand  our  ground,  we  may, 
by  oui'  lives  and  conversation,  glorify  God,  even  at  a  dinner 
visit,  as  well  as  in  more  important  callings.  Generally 
speaking,  I  believe  it  best  to  avoid  such  occasions,  for  they 
take  up  time  and  are  apt  to  dissipate  the  mind ;  although  it 
may  occasionally  be  the  right  and  proper  calling  for  Chris- 
tians thus  to  enter  life ;  but  they  must  then  keep  the  eye 
very  single  to  Him  who,  having  p'aced  them  in  the  world 
can  alone  keep  them  from  the  evil. 

"  Third  Month,  Hth. — I  have  lately  been  remarkably  fall 
of  occupations,  and  yet  they  have  appeared  right  and  almost 
unavoidable.  On  First-day  I  attended  Southwai-k  Meet- 
ing ;  mercy  and  peace  eventually  accompanied  it.  On  Fifth- 
day  I  went  to  town  to  meet  the  Secretary  of  State,  (Sir  Rob- 
ert Peel,)  and  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Commons,  at 
Newgate,  with  my  brother,  Fowell  Buxton,  and  my  hus- 
band; I  trust  the  time  was  blessed  to  the  good  of  the 
cause. 

"  Sixth-day  in  town  again  to  Newgate  ;  one  of  the  bish- 
ops, and  many  others  there.  It  was  a  solemn  time — a 
power  better  than  ourselves  seemed  remarkably  over  us.  I 
visited  another  prison  and  then  returned  home.  Besides 
these  out  of  door  objects  I  am  much  engaged  in  nursing 
my  babe  which  is  a  sweet  employment  but  takes  time;  the 
rest  of  the  childern,  are  comfortably  settled  in  with  dear 
Mary  Ann  Davis  who  is  now  ouce  more  with  us.  Upon 
sitting  down  to  write,  and  lockir-g  round  me,  surrounded 
as  I  am  with  my  family,  supplied  with  so  many  temporal 
comforts,  spiritual  blessings  not  withheld — for  I  trust  there 


EXCUESIONS  IN  GEEAT  BKITAIK. 


187 


is  rather  an  increase  than  decrease  of  the  best  thingg 
amongst  us — I  thought,  as  the  query  arose  in  my  heart, 
'Lackest  thou  anything?'  I  might  indeed  say,  'Nothing, 
Lord,'  except  a  further  establishment  for  us  all  in  the  ever 
blessed  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus :  What  can  I  render  to  Thea 
for  all  Thy  benefits  ?  Grant,  dearest  Lord !  in  Thy  child 
and  servant,  a  heart  fully  and  entii'ely  devoted  unto  Thea 
and  Thy  service.  Amen. 

"  29c/i. — Since  I  last  wrote  I  have  attended  Winchmore 
Hill  Meeting  to  satisfaction,  together  with  my  dear  sister 
Elizabeth,  William  Allen,  and  my  brother  Samuel,  whose 
company  I  enjoyed.  My  husband  has  engaged  Leslie,  the 
painter  to  come  and  take  likenesses  of  him  and  me,  to  which, 
from  peculiar  cuxum  stances,  I  have  appeared  obliged  to 
yield ;  but  the  thing  and  its  effect  on  my  mind  are  unsatis- 
factory to  me ;  it  is  not  altogether  what  I  like,  or  approve ; 
it  is  making  too  much  of  this  poor  tabernacle,  and  rather  ex- 
alting that  part  in  us  which  should  be  laid  low  and  kept 
low.  I  believe  I  could  not  have  yielded  the  point  had  not 
so  many  likenesses  of  me  already  appeared,  and  it  would  ba 
a  trial  to  my  family  only  to  have  these  disagreeable  ones  to 
remain.  However,  from  one  cause  or  another,  this  has  nofc 
been  a  satisfactory  week — too  much  in  the  eaith  and  tha 
things  of  it,  too  little  in  the  spuit;  though  not  without 
seeking  to  take  up  my  cross,  deny  myself,  and  follow  my 
Lord  and  Master.  I  feel  particularly  unfit  and  unworthy 
to  enter  again  upon  my  religious  engagement :  we  proposa 
going  to  Uxbridge  this  evening.  My  only  hope  is  in  Him 
who  can  alone  cleanse,  fit,  strengthen  and  prepare  for  His 
own  work.  Under  a  deep  feeling  of  my  short-comings 
may  I  not  say,  dearest  Lord,  undertake  for  me. 

'■'■Fourth  Month  1th. — We  went  to  Uxbridge,  though 
naturally  rather  a  low  time,  yet  it  ended  to  my  real  comfort. 
The  Morning  Meeting  was  a  very  solemn  one,  a  deep  feel- 
ing of  good,  and  the  anointing  of  the  Spirit  appeared  freely 
poured  forth.   The  Evening  Meeting  was  satisfactory;  and 


188 


ELIZABETH  FBY 


in  several  religious  opportunities  in  the  families  my  heart 
was  enlarged  in  much  love  to  the  dear  Friends  there,  whoio, 
I  think  I  may  say,  I  love  in  the  Lord." 

fier  next  religious  visit  is  thus  briefly  recorded.  It  was 
iix  the  autumn  of  1823. 

^^JEJarlham,  Tenth  Month,  \st. — My  beloved  husband  left 
me  this  morning  for  London,  and  I  am  here,  with  nine 
children  and  my  little  grandson.  Since  I  last  wrote  the 
face  of  things  has  brightened.  I  went  to  Bristol  to  attend 
the  Quarterly  Meeting  there,  accompanied  by  my  brother 
iToseph  John  Gurney,  and  my  sister  E.  F. ;  we  left  home  on 
Sixth-day,  the  11th  of  last  month,  and  returned  on  Fifth- 
the  17th.  In  this  short  time  we  traveled  about  280 
Koiles,  visited  the  meeting  at  Bath  and  the  Bristol  Quarterly 
Bteeting,  held  two  Pubhc  Meetings,  visited  the  prison,  at- 
tended to  the  magistrates  and  the  committee ;  visited  Hau« 
nah  More,  my  cousin  PriscUla  H.  Gurney,  and  several  others. 
The  last  few  days  my  husband  and  I  have  been  at  Cromer 
and  paid  an  interesting  visit  to  my  much  loved  brothers 
a,nd  sisters  there.  I  was  at  different  times  engaged  reli- 
giously amongst  them,  and  help  was  granted  me  in  these 
services.  I  feel  unworthy  and  imfit,  and  find  that  there  is 
need  of  close,  cleansing  baptisms  of  the  Spirit  to  make  me 
in  any  degree  ready  thus  to  espouse  the  best  of  causes.  1 
am  much  struck  in  having  all  my  children  but  one  now 
here,  several  of  them  grown  up.  What  marvelous  changes 
have  I  witnessed  since  I  first  knew  this  place !  Wonders 
indeed  have  been  done  for  me,  spiritually  and  natui'ally. 
How  have  I  been  raised  up  as  out  of  the  dust !  I  am  sur- 
couuded  by  a  numerous  fine  and  healthy  offspring;  one 
only  taken  from  me,  and  that  one  with  a  peculiar  evidence 
of  going  to  an.  everlasting  and  blessed  inheritance.  Spirit- 
ually also  how  has  mercy  been  shown  me !  Has  not  the 
^3eloved  of  my  soul  said  'live? ' — and  how  has  He  been  witk 


EX0TJBSION3  IN  GREAT  BRITAIN. 


189 


me  in  many  tribulations  and  sanctified  many  blessings. 
Indeed  I  have  found  that  my  Lord  is  a  wonder- v,  orking 
God,  and  has  manifested  Himself  to  be  to  my  soul  '  Won- 
derful, Counsellor,  the  Mighty  God,  the  Everlasting  Father 
and  the  Prince  of  Peace.'  What  can  I  render  for  His  un- 
speakable benefits  ? " 

Early  in  1824,  she  visited  the  Midland  Counties  accom- 
panied by  her  brother  Samuel  Gumey;  but  returned  in 
feeble  health. 

"  Plashet,  Third  Month,  2^th. — ^We  reached  home  last 
Fifth-day,  having  accomplished  the  duty  we  had  in  prospect 
to  our  own  peace,  and  I  trust  to  the  edification  of  those 
amongst  whom  our  lot  has  been  cast.  I  continued  very  im- 
well  during  the  whole  journey,  and  what  with  exercise  of 
mind,  and  real  illness  of  body  I  think  I  have  seldom  known 
such  a  time ;  nor  do  I  ever  remember  being  so  helped 
through  the  different  services  that  I  was  brought  into.. 
Visiting  gaols,  attending  two  Quarterly  Meetings  and  many 
not  Friends  there  ;  one  a  in  Worcester  gaol,  one  large 
Public  Meeting,  the  first  I  ever  appointed  of  that  descrip- 
tion; and  many  other  meetings.  But  the  way  I  was  raised 
up,  as  from  the  dust,  was  wonderful  to  myself ;  enabled  to 
speak  with  power ;  and  in  the  Quartei-ly  Meetings  to  go  from 
service  to  service.  It  was  indeed  a  remarkable  evidence 
that  there  is  in  man  something  beyond  the  natural  part 
which,  when  that  is  in  its  lowest,  weakest  state,  helps  and 
strengthens.  None  can  tell  what  its  power  is  but  those 
who  submit  to  it.  I  now  feel  fully  called  to  rest.  I  grate, 
fully  remember  the  abundant  kindness  shown  me  upon  my 
journey.  Greater  enlargement  of  my  heart  in  love  do  1 
never  remember,  or  to  have  met  more  from  others.  I  hava 
been  permitted  to  feel,  throughout  this  illness,  at  times, 
very  sweet  consolation, — a  state  of  rest  as  if  the  sense  o| 
pain  and  sorrow  was  taken  away  from  body  and  mind,  and 


190 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


now  and  then  almost  like  a  peep  into  the  joys  of  the 
Kingdom." 

During  this  period  in  addition  to  her  labors  at  Newgate 
the  need  of  asylums  for  the  reception  of  discharged  female 
prisoners  claimed  the  attention  of  Elizabeth  Fry  and  her 
fellow-laborers. 

"In  1822  a  small  house  for  receiving  some  of  the  most 
hopeful  of  the  discharged  prisoners  was  opened  at  West- 
minster under  the  name  of  Tothill  Fields  Asylum.  It  owed 
its  existence  to  the  Christian  benevolence  of  one  lady — Miss 
Neave.  She  has  consecrated  her  time  and  purse  to  this 
important  object  which  was  fii-st  suggested  to  her  mind 
during  a  drive  with  Mrs.  Fry,  thus  related  by  herself: — 
'  A  morning's  expedition  with  dear  Mrs.  Fry  made  me  at 
once  resolve  to  add  my  help,  if  ever  so  feebly  to  the  good 
cause.  I  distinctly  re.member  the  one  observation  mada. 
I  can  call  to  mind  at  this  moment  the  look  and  tone,  so 
peculiar,  so  exclusively  her's  who  spoke — 'Often  have  I 
known  the  career  of  a  promising  young  woman,  charged 
with  the  first  offence,  to  end  in  a  condemned  cell!  Was 
there  but  a  Eefuge  for  the  young  offender  my  work  vv-ould 
be  less  painful.'  That  one  day's  conversation  upon  these 
subjects,  and  in  this  stiaia  laid  the  iounuation  of  our  pris- 
oners' home.' 

"The  inmates  at  first  were  only  four  in  number;  in  1824 
they  had  increased  to  nine;  after  a  few  years  under  the 
name  of  toe  '  The  Royal  Manor  Kali  Asylum,'  it  contained 
ally  young  women.  Since  its  first  establishment  667  have 
been  received  within  its  walls.* 

"There  was  another  class  of  persons  who  claimed  the 
ftutentiou  of  the  ladiea  of  the  British  Society  at  this  masting 
— the  vicious  and  neglected  little  girls,  so  numerous  iu 


♦•'In  addition  to  this  oxcellc^ut  Institution  whicli  continues  very 


EXCURSIONS  IN  GKEAT  BRITAIN. 


191 


London,  early  hardened  in  crime,  who,  whether  they  liad^ 
or  had  not  been  imprisoned  had  no  chance  of  reformation 
at  home;  yet  were  too  young-  to  be  placed  with  advantage 
in  any  existing  asylum.  Before  the  next  anniversary  p 
School  of  Discipline  for  the  reception  of  such  children  wai 
opened  at  Chelsea,  where,  withdrawn  from  theu-  former 
associates,  they  might  be  trained  to  orderly  and  vu-tuous 
habits.  The  idea  first  occurred  to  Mrs.  Fry  when  convers- 
ing, in  the  yard  at  Newgate,  with  her  friend,  Mrs.  Benja* 
min  Shaw,  on  the  extreme  difficulty  of  disposing  of  somv 
very  juvenile  prisoners  about  to  be  discharged.  She  then 
begged  IVIis.  Shaw  to  consider  the  subject  and  di'aw  up 
some  plan  for  the  pm-pose.  This  lady  immediately  applied 
herself  to  the  important  work ;  nor  did  she  relax  her  exer- 
tions until  she  had  seen  the  school  of  discipline  firmly  es- 
tablished, and  its  value  tested  by  the  experience  of  yeai'S. 

"Mrs.  Fry  was  anxious  that  the  Government  should  adopt 
this  Institution  for  receiving  abandoned  female  childi'en, 
and  addi'essed  Sir  Kobert  Peel,  then  Secretai-y  of  State,  on 
the  subject.  He  warmly  encouraged  the  design  as  ono 
'capable  of  effecting  much  good.'  He  recommended  itt 
being  supported  by  the  subscriptions  of  individuals,  uncon- 
nected with  public  establishments,  and  enclosed  a  liberal 
donation  from  himself. 

"  Both  these  Institutions  continue  to  be  very  important 
auxiliai'ies  of  the  British  Ladies  Society,  receiving  consider' 
able  pecuniary  assistance  from  its  funds,  in  consideration  ol 
the  many  individuals  placed  in  them,  by  its  sub-committee, 
for  the  Patronage  of  Discharged  Female  Prisoners. . 


prosperous,  a  similar  one  tor  the  reception  of  discbavgcd  female  pris- 
oners wlio  appear  likely  to  prove  IheioselTes  to  be  reformed  charac* 
ters  i"!  now  eslablisbed  at  Hackney,  >.nd,  under  the  dL'sigualiou  of  the 
'E1.IZAEETU  Fnv  Refuok,'  is  ctlecting  luuch  good.  Both  these  Asy. 
Ijius  are  hbcr.illy  palrouized  by  our  beloved  Qiieeu,  and  tbey  have  a 
veiy  strong  claim  cn  the  beuevolonco  of  the  public. — b.  Cobuek." 


192 


ELIZ&.BETH  FBY. 


"  But  neither  these  nor  any  existing  establishments 
adequately  meet  the  needs  of  many  applicants  discharged 
from  the  London  prisons ;  and  untU  some  further  refuge 
for  such  is  established  the  labor  bestowed  upon  them  dur- 
ing imprisonment  must  remain,  in  too  many  instances,  an 
incomplete  work ;  whether  begun  by  the  chaplain,  the  officers 
of  the  gaol,  or  the  ladies  of  the  Visiting  Association.  Ear- 
nestly and  unflinchingly  did  Mrs.  Fry  urge  this  topic.  She 
grieved  to  know  that  persons  not  utterly  hardened,  not 
wholly  given  over  to  depravity,  who  desired  to  retrace  the 
downward  road  along  which  they  had  travelled,  continually 
found  themselves  without  resource,  without  encouragement, 
exposed  to  the  condemnation  of  the  world,  or  renewed 
temptations  to  vice.  She  felt  that  untU  every  unhappy  fal- 
len one,  without  exception  had  the  opportunity  afforded  her  • 
of  repentance  and  amendment  of  life,  England  as  a  Chris- 
tian country  had  not  fulfilled  the  injunction  of  our  blessed 
Lord — 'As  I  have  loved  you  that  ye  also  love  one  an- 
other.'"* 

The  British  Ladies'  Society  Meeting  referred  to  above  is 
thus  spoken  of  in  the  Journal : 

'■^First-day,  15th. — Yesterday,  after  a  very  weak  and 
faint  morning,  I  attended  our  'Ladies'  British  Society' 
Meeting.  It  was  surprising,  even  to  myself  to  find  what 
had  been  accomplished.  How  many  prisons  are  now  visited 
by  ladies,  and  how  much  is  done  for  the  inhabitants  of  the 
f)rison-house,  and  what  a  way  is  made  for  their  return  from 
evil.  It  is  marvelous  in  my  eyes  that  a  poor  instrument 
should  have  been  the  apparent  cause  of  settling  forward 
such  a  work." 

Mrs.  Fry's  health  continuing  delicate  she  was  induced  to- 


•Meoioir— Vol  I,  p.  494. 


EXCUESI0N8  IN  GREAT  BEITAIB. 


193 


visit  Brighton,  in  May,  1824,  where  she  remained  a  little 
over  two  months.  While  here,  being  much  distressed  hj 
the  multitude  of  applicants  for  relief,  and  the  impossibility 
of  determining  who  among  them  were  deserving,  she  orga- 
nized, after  much  labor  and  discouragement,  a  District  Vis- 
iting Society,  composed  of  persons  belonging  to  different 
religious  denominations,  with  the  Earl  of  Chichester  as  ita 
President.  Its  objects  were,  "  the  encouragement  of  indus- 
try and  frugality  among  the  poor,  by  visits  at  their  own 
habitations ;  the  relief  of  real  distress  whether  arising  from 
sickness  or  other  causes;  and  the  prevention  of  mendicity 
and  imposture,  together  with  a  system  of  small  deposits, 
upon  the  plan  of  a  Savings'  Bank."  This  proved  a  very 
useful  institution. 

Being  subject  during  her  illness  to  attacks  of  faintness 
which  required  her  often  to  be  taken  to  an  open  window 
looking  toward  the  sea ;  her  eyes  invariably  rested,  in  the 
grey  dawn,  or  through  the  gathering  storm,  on  the  one  Hv- 
ing  object,  "the  solitary  Blockade-man,  pacing  the  shingly 
beach."  Her  sympathy  was  soon  excited  by  his  desolate 
condition,  and  she  applied  to  the  Bible  Society  for  a  grant 
of  Bibles  to  distribute  among  this  Ul-provided  class  of  men. 
Fifty  Bibles,  and  twenty-five  New  Testaments  were  imme- 
diately placed  at  her  disposal.  She  thus  reviews  this  period 
of  recreation  at  Brighton : 

" Dagenham,  /Seventh  Month,  BOth. — We  left  Brighton 
last  Sixth-day,  the  23rd,  and  after  what  I  passed  through  in 
Buffering,  and  afterwards  in  doing,  in  various  ways,  I  may 
acknowledge  that  I  have  no  adequate  expression  to  convey 
the  gratitude  due  to  my  merciful  and  gracious  Lord.  I 
left  it  after  a  stay  of  neai'ly  ten  weeks,  with  a  comparatively 


194 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


tealthy  body,  and  above  all  a  remarkably  clear  and  easy 
mind :  mth  a  portion  of  that  overflcwing  peace  that  made 
all  things,  natural  and  spiritual  appear  sweet,  and  in  near 
love  and  unity,  not  only  with  Friends  there,  but  many^ 
many  others.  >  I  felt  as  if,  although  an  unworthy  instru- 
ment, my  labors  there  had  not  been  in  vain  in  the  Lord, 
whether  in  suffering  or  doing.  It  has  not  been  without  a 
good  deal  of  anxiety,  fatigue  and  discouragement  that  this 
state  of  sweet  peace  has  been  obtained,  as  I  am  apt  to 
suffer  so  much  from  many  fears  and  doubts,  particularly 
when -in  a  weak  state  of  health.  '  The  District  Society  in 
Which  I  was  interested,  I  left,  I  trust,  in  a  way  for  estabhsh^ 
m'eiLt,  and  likely  to  be  very  useful  to  the  poor  and  to  the 
ricfr.  Also  an  arrangement  to  supply  the  Blockade-men  on 
the  coast  (afterwards  called  Coast  Guard)  with  Bibles  and 
other  books:  and  I  hope  they  will  be  put  in  the  way  of 
reading  them  instead  of  losing  their  time.  Some  of  the 
Blockade-men  seemed  much  affected  by  the  attention  paid 
them,  as  also  did  their  oflScers ;  and  I  am  ready  to  hope  that 
a  little  seed  is  scattered  there.  In  Meetings  I  passed 
through  much,  at  times  going  when  I  feared  I  should  faint 
from  weakness;  but  I  found  that  help  was  laid  on  One 
who  is  Mighty,  and  I  may  indeed  say,  in  my  ministerial 
services,  that  out  of  weakness  I  was  made  strong.  The 
Meetings  were  generally  largely  attended  by  those  not 
Friends,  of  course  without  invitation,  but  I  trust  that  they 
were  good  ones,  and  that  we  were  edified  together.  This 
was  through  deep  humiliation  and  many,  many  fears.  It 
certainly  calls  for  great  care  and  watchfulness  in  all  things 
that  we  enter,  to  find  that  they  be  not  of  ourselves,  but  of 
our  Master  whose  servants  we  are ;  for  He  alone  should 
point  out  the  work.  The  end,  in  an  uncommon  manner, 
appeared  to  crown  all. 

"  2&th. — I  returned  from  a  short  expedition  to  Brighton 
last  evening — a  very  interesting  and  I  trust,  not  unimpor- 
taidr  one.   My  object  was  the  District  Society  that  I  was 


tfltOUKSIONS  IN  QBEAT  BRITAIN. 


195 


enabled  to  form  there,  when  I  was  so  ill,  or  recovering  from 
that  state.  Much  good  appears  done,  much  more  likely  to 
be  done ;  a  fine  arrangement  made  if  it  be  but  followed  up ; 
and  I  humbly  trust  that  a  blessing  will  attend  the  work,  and 
has  already  attended  it.  I  feel  that  I  have  not  time  to  re« 
late  our  interesting  history;  but  I  should  say  that  the  short 
time  we  spent  there  was  a  mark  of  the  features  of.  the  pres- 
ent day.  A  poor  unworthy  woman,  nothing  extraordinary 
in  point  of  power,  simply  seeking  to  follow  a  crucifiea 
Lord,  and  to  co-operate  with  Ilis  grace  in  the  heai'u,  yei 
tollowed  after  by  almost  every  rank  in  society,  with  the 
greatest  openness  for  any  communications  of  a  rehgious 
nature ;  numbers  at  Meeting  of  different  denominations, 
also  at  our  own  house — noblemen,  ladies  in  numbers,  clergy, 
dissenters,  and  Friends.  We  had  most  satisfactory  religious 
Opportunities  together,  where  the  power  of  an  endless  life 
appeared  to  be  in  great  dominion — our  dear  Lord  and  Mas- 
ter Himself  appearing  remarkably  to  own  us  together. 

"J'lashet,  Fourth  Month,  21s<. — My  occupations  are 
are  just  now  multitudinous.  The  British  Society  and  all 
that  is  attached  to  it;  Newgate  as  usual.  Forming  with 
much  fear  and  some  misgivings,  a  Servants'  Society,  yet 
with  a  hope,  and  something  of  a  trust,  that  it  will  be  for 
the  good  of  this  class  of  persons  for  generations  to  come. 
I  have  felt  so  much  for  such,  for  so  many  years,  that  I  am 
wUhng  to  sacrifice  some  time  and  strength  for  their  sakes. 
It  is,  however,  with  real  fear  that  I  do  it,  because  I  am  sen- 
sible of  being,  at  times,  pressed  beyond  my  strength  of 
body  and  mind.  But  the  day  is  short,  and  I  know  not  how 
to  reject  the  work  that  comes  to  hand  to  do. 

"■^JPlashet,  25th. — I  have  had  some  true  encouragement 
in  my  objects  since  I  last  wrote.  The  British  Society 
Meeting  was  got  through  to  much  satisfaction.  To  myself 
(the  poor  humble  instrument  among  women  in  this  couiitry) 
iifvis  really  wonderful  what  has  has  been  accomplished  in 
the  prisons  during  the  last  few  years.    How  the  cause  has 


ELIZABETH  FEY 


spread,  and  wTiat  good  has  been  done,  how  mucli  e\Tl  pre- 
vented, how  much  sorrow  alleviated,  how  many  plucked  like 
brands  from  the  burning !  What  a  cause  for  deep  thanks- 
giving, and  still  deeper  humiliation  to  have  been,  in  any  de- 
gree, one  of  the  instruments  made  use  of  to  bring  about 
these  results.  I  have  also  received  a  delightful  account  of 
the  effects  of  my  labors  for  the  poor  at  Brighton ;  it  appears 
that  theai'rangements  made  have  greatly  prospered  amongst 
both  rich  and  poor ;  also  for  the  Blockade-men  on  the  coast. 
This  is  cause  for  fresh  thankfulness  of  heai't.  I  may  say 
that  I  there  sowed  in  tears,  and  I  now  reap  in  joy. 

"  The  Servants'  Society  appears  gradually  opening,  as  if 
it  would  be  established  according  to  my  desires.  No  one 
knows  what  I  go  thi'ough  in  forming  these  Institutions, — ^it 
is  always  in  fear. 

Fifth  Month,  IZrd. — I  think  that  I  am  under  the  deep- 
est exercise  of  mind  that  I  ever  experienced,  in  the  prospect 
of  a  meeting  to  be  held  this  evening  for  all  the  young  peo- 
ple assembled  at  the  Yearly  Meeting.  It  is  held  at  my 
request,  my  brother  Joseph  uniting  in  it.  In  a  remarkable 
degree  it  has  plunged  me  into  the  depths,  into  real  dis- 
tress; I  feel  so  unfit,  so  unworthy,  so  psrplexed,  so  fearful, 
even  so  sorrowful,  so  tempted  to  mistrustful  thoughts, 
ready  to  say,  '  Can  such  an  one  be  called  to  such  a  service?' 
I  do  believe  that  '  this  is  my  infirmity ; '  and  I  have  a  hum- 
ble hope  and  confidence  that  out  of  this  great  weakness  I 
shall  be  made  strong.  As  far  as  I  know,  it  has  been  in 
simple  obedience  to  manifested  duty,  that  I  gave  up  to  this 
service  and  went  through  the  ordeal  of  the  Yearly  Meeting. 
If  I  know  my  own  deceitful  heart  it  has  been  done  in  love 
to  my  Master  and  to  His  cause.  Lord,  preserve  me  through 
this  depth;  through  this  stripping  season!  If  it  should 
please  Thee  to  grant  me  the  garments  of  Thy  salvation,  and 
the  help  of  Thy  Spirit,  further  enable  me  wholly  to  give 
unto  Thee  the  glory  which  is  due  unto  Thy  name.  If  Thou 
makest  use  of  Thy  handmaid  to  speak  in  Thy  name,  be 


* 


ESOTTESIONS  IN  6BEAT  BEITAIN. 


197 


Thou  Thyself  her  help  and  her  strength,  her  glory  and  the 
iifter  up  of  her  head.  Enable  her  to  rely  on  Thee,  on  Thy 
might  and  Thy  mercy;  to  commit  her  whole  case  unto 
Thee,  and  keep  in  the  remembrance  of  Thy  handmaid  that 
the  blessed  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness  is  not  hers  but 
Thine. 

"Flasket,  Sixth  3Ionth,  2nd. — The  awful  and  buffeted 
state  of  my  mind  was,  in  degree,  calmed  as  the  day  ad« 
vanced.  I  went  to  town  with  my  beloved  brother  Joseph, 
who  appeared  to  have  been  in  something  of  a  similar  depth 
of  imusual  suffering.  We  went  into  the  meeting  together. 
The  large  Meeting-house  was  soon  so  crowded  that  no  more 
could  get  in  ;  I  suppose  from  eighteen  hundred  to  two  thou- 
Band  persons,  principally  youth.  All  my  children  were  there 
except  little  Harry.  I  heard  hundreds  went  away  who 
could  not  get  in.  After  going  in  and  taking  my  seat  my 
mind  was  soon  calmed,  and  the  fear  of  man  greatly,  if  not 
quite,  taken  away.  My  beloved  brother  Joseph  bowed  the 
knee  and  poured  forth  prayer  for  us.  I  soon  after  rose 
and  expressed  what  was  on  my  mind  towards  the  assembly : 
Fust,  that  all  were  acceptable  who  worked  righteousness 
and  served  the  Lord.  Secondly,  that  the  mercies  of  our 
God  should  induce  this  service  as  a  debt  due  to  Him. 
Thii-dly,  that  it  must  be  done  by  following  a  crucified  Lord 
and  faithfully  taking  up  the  cross.  Fourthly,  how  impor- 
tant therefore  to  the  church  generally,  and  to  our  religious 
Bociety,  for  us  so  to  do,  individually  and  collectively;  so 
that  if  this  were  done  there  would  be,  from  amongst  that 
company,  those  who  would  be  as  lights  in  the  world,  or  as  a 
city  set  on  a  hill  that  cannot  be  hid.  I  had  to  conclude  with 
a  desire  that  an  entrance  might  bo  abundantly  ministered 
unto  them  into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Sa- 
viour Jesus  Christ.  I  then  sat  down  but  did  not  feel  to  have 
fully  relieved  my  mind.  Joseph  rose  and  stood  more  than  an 
hour.  He  preached  a  very  instructive  and  striking  sermou 
on  faith  and  doctrine.    Then  ray  dear  sister  EliEabeth  i'ry, 


198 


ELIZAEETB  FR7. 


and  my  uncle  Joseph  said  sometliing.  Afterwards  I  kneli 
down  in  prayer  and  thought  I  found  no  common  access  tc 
the  Fountain  of  all  our  sm-e  mercies.  I  was  enabled  to  cast 
my  burden  for  the  youth  and  my  own  beloved  offspring 
with  tlie  rest,  upon  Him  who  is  mighty  to  save  and  to  de- 
liver. I  had  to  ask  for  a  blessing  upon  our  labors  of  lovo 
towards  them,  and  tLiat  our  deficiencies  might  be  made  up  ; 
»hat  the  blessing  of  the  Most  High  might  rest  on  them, 
from  generation  to  generation,  and  that  cross-bearers  and 
standard-bearers  might  not  be  wanting  from  amongst  them 
I  felt  helped  in  every  way ;  the  very  spirit  and  power  ap- 
peared near,  and  when  I  rose  from  my  knees  I  could  'n 
faith  leave  it  all  to  Him  who  can  alone  prosper  His  own 
work.  A  few  hints  that  impressed  me,  I  afterwards  ex- 
pressed, which  were  to  encourage  the  youth  in  the  good 
works  of  the  present  day ;  but  to  entreat  them  when  en- 
gaged in  them,  to  maintain  the  watch,  lest  they  should 
build  up  with  one  hand  and  pull  down  with  the  otner. 
Secondly,  that  it  was  never  too  soon  to  begin  to  serve  the 
Lord,  and  that  there  was  nothing  too  small  to  please  Him 
bu  Then,  commending  them  to  His  grace  and  bidding 
them  farewell,  the  Meeting  concluded  in  a  very  solemn 
manner.  It  lasted  about  two  hours  and  a  half,  and  genera) 
satisfaction  appears  to  have  been  felt.  When  it  was  over, 
I  may  say  we  rejoiced  together,  I  hope,  in  the  Lord ;  so 
that  my  soul  did  magnify  the  Lord,  and  my  spirit  rejoiced 
in  God  my  Saviour." 

In  1827  she  visited  Ireland,  accompanied  by  her  brothei 
Joseph  John  Gurney  and  her  sister-in-law  Elizabeth  Fry 
Arrived  at  Dublin  "a  great  variety  of  weighty  engage' 
ments  occupied  them  closely.  They  inspected  several  asy^ 
lums,  four  jails,  the  Bridewell,  House  of  Industry;  also  a 
Kunnery ;  formed  Prison  Committees,  had  important  inter- 
views with  persons  in  authority,  visited  many  members  of 


EXCURSIONS  IN  GREAT  BRITAIN. 


199 


their  own  religious  Society,  and  attended  several  large 
meetings  for  worship,  some  of  them  peculiarly  favored 
ones." 

They  then  pursued  their  journey  from  place  to  place 
visiting  aU  the  principal  towns  in  the  island  and  numerous 
Bmaller  ones, — went  to  see  the  Giant's  Causeway,  calling  at 
a  Moravian  settlement  on  the  route,  and  ended  with  the 
Yeai-ly  Meeting  at  Dublin.  They  were  detained  a  week  at 
Waterford,  by  the  serious  illness  of  Mrs.  Fry.  The  sick- 
ness was  caused  by  exhaustion  and  malaria.  After  arriving 
home  she  wrote : — 

The  great  numbers  that  followed  us,  almost  everywhere 
we  went,  was  one  of  those  things  I  believe  was  too  much  for 
me.  No  one  can  tell,  but  those  who  have  been  brought  into 
similiar  circumstances,  what  it  is  to  feel  as  I  did  at  such 
times ;  often  weak  and  fagged  in  body,  exhausted  in  mind, 
having  things  of  importance  to  direct  my  attention  to,  and 
not  less  than  a  multitude  aiound  me,  each  expecting  a  wordt 
or  some  mark  of  attention.  For  instance,  or  one  occasion 
a  General  on  one  side,  a  Bishop  on  the  other,  and  pei'haps 
sixty  other  persons  all  expecting  something  from  me.  Visit- 
ing Prisons,  Lunatic  Asylums,  and  Infirmaries ;  eath  insti- 
tution exciting  feeling  and  requiring  judgment.  I  en- 
deavored to  seek  for  help  from  above,  and  for  a  quiet  mind, 
and  my  desire  was  that  such  times  should  not  be  lost  upon 
those  persons.  They  ended  frequently  in  religious  oppor- 
tunities, and  many  came  in  consequence  to  our  Public 
Meetings.  However  these  things  proved  too  much  for  me, 
and  tired  me  more  than  any  part  of  our  service. 

"Th  ere  were  some  I  believe  who  feared  niy  exaltation, 
and  if  tbey  judged  from  outward  appearance  I  do  not  won- 
der at  it ;  but  a  deep  conviction  of  my  unwortbinoas  and 
infirmity  was  so  living  with  me  that  tb«8e  things  appeared 


200 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


more  likely  to  cast  me  into  the  dust  than  to  raise  me  up  on 
high.  We  went  on  thus,  from  place  to  place,  until  wa 
reached  Waterford.  We  had  visited  Limerick,  Cork  and 
other  places.  I  felt  completely  sinking — hardly  able  to  hold 
up  my  head,  and  by  degrees  became  seriously  ill.  Fever 
came  on  and  ran  very  high,  and  I  found  myself  in  one  oi 
my  distressing  faint  states ;  indeed  a  few  hours  were  most 
conflicting.  I  never  remember  to  have  known  a  more  pain- 
ful time ;  tried  without,  distressed  within,  feeling  such  fears 
lest  my  being  thus  stopped  by  illness  should  try  the  faith 
of  others  and  lest  my  own  faith  should  fail.  My  pain  too, 
in  being  from  home  was  great.  We  were  obUged  to  stop 
all  the  Meetings,  that  we  had  appointed  for  days  to  come. 
However,  much  as  I  suffered  for  a  short  time,  I  had  most 
sweet  peace  afterwards.  My  blessed  Saviour  arose  with 
'healing  in  His  wings,'  delivered  me  from  my  fears,  pouied 
balm  into  my  wounds,  and  granted  me  such  a  sense  of  having 
obtained  full  reconciliation  with  my  God  as  I  can  hardly  de- 
scribe. All  was  peace.  I  no  longer  hankered  after  home, 
but  was  able  to  commit  myself,  and  those  nearest,  to  this 
unslumbering,  all-merciful,  and  all-powerful  Shepherd.  By 
degrees  I  was  sufficiently  raised  up  to  attend  Meetings,  visit 
some  prisons,  and  see  many  persons ;  and  we  concluded  our 
general  visit  to  Ireland  to  my  relief,  peace  and  satisfaction. 
The  Yearly  Meeting  crowned  all,  as  to  our  ministerial  ser- 
vices in  our  own  Society.  We  left  Waterford  on  the  11th  of 
Fifth  Month,  after  visiting  Wicklow  and  Wexford,  at  that 
time  remaining  in  Waterford  a  few  hours  only.  We  entered 
the  steam-packet,  slept  on  board,  and  left  the  hai'bor  about 
three  o'clock  in  the  morning." 


CHAPTER  SEVENTH. 


PASSING  THBOUGH  THE  VALLEY. 

It  has  ali'eady  appeared  that  the  home  hfe  of  Elizabeth 
Fry,  though  favored  with  perhaps  its  full  share  of  blessings, 
was  not  without  its  peculiar  and  deep  trials.  Without  striv- 
ing to  unveil  the  source  of  the  secret  sorrow  which  caused 
the  severest  pain,  and  which  apparently  lay  between  herself 
and  her  husband,  there  is  no  occasion  to  conceal  the  fact 
that  as  theii"  children  grew  up  they  generally  inclined  away 
from  the  peculiar  views  and  customs  of  the  rehgious  Society 
to  which  they  belonged  by  right  of  birth,  and  to  which 
their  mother  was  devotedly  attached  from  sincere  convic- 
tion of  its  worth.  It  is  easy  to  see  what  ever. recurring 
pain  this  fact  must  have  caused,  in  the  maternal  heart,  as 
well  as  constant  practical  difficulties  in  the  nousehold. 
Every  deviation,  every  inclination  toward  the  customs  of 
the  world,  and  even  toward  those  of  other  good  people 
seemed  a  turning  away  from  herself,  and  alsa  from  Him 
who  had  called  her  into  a  path  of  self-denial,  and  so 
signally  blessed  her  faithfulness  in  bearing  her  allotted 
cross.  How  could  she  believe  that  the  same  c/oss  was  not 
equally  adapted  to  her  dear  offspring,  or  that  in  declining 
it  they  wei'e  not  giving  evidence  of  an  unconcerted  state. 
However  correct  or  erroneous  her  judgmenc  may  have 


2D2 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


been,  the  motherly  solicitude  she  felt  was  most  touching 
and  commendable.  Her  position  was  indeed  a  most  trying 
one. 

"22nc?  (August  1827). — It  is  hard,  very  hard,  a  most  diffi- 
cult matter,  to  help  those  whose  welfare  and  salvation  are 
past  expression  near  to  us.  We  can  only  go  to  Him  who  is 
willing  and  able,  not  only  to  hear  our  praj'ers  on  our  own 
account,  but  on  account  of  those  most  tenderly  beloved, 
and  who  does,  in  His  tender  mercy,  so  bear  our  griefs  and 
carry  our  sorrows  that  our  souls  can  rest  on  Him.  Oh! 
may  I  ever  have  the  encouragement  of  seeing  those  nearest 
to  me  walking  closely  with  God;  not  doing  their  own  pleas- 
ure, nor  walking  in  their  own  ways,  but  doing  His  pleasure, 
and  walking  in  His  ways.  I  believe  it  would  bring  unspeak- 
able joy,  refreshment  and  consolation  to  my  soul;  and  may 
I  never  cease  to  commend  tbem  to  Him  who  can  work  with 
or  without  human  instrumentality." 

The  discretion  and  care  which  she  exercised  to  avoid  un- 
pleasant differences,  and  to  show  forth  moderation,  in  the 
midst  of  difficulties,  are  finely  iiiustrated  in  the  following 
note  and  comment. 

«  lliird  Ifonth,  3rd,  1825. — I  hope  I  am  thankful  for 
being  really  better  though  delicate  in  health.  I  wish  I  did 
not  dread  illness  so  much ;  it  is  a  real  infirmity  in  me ; 
may  grace  be  granted  to  overcome  it.  I  think,  strange  to 
say,  I  felt,  and  I  fear  appeared  to  those  about  me,  to  be 
irritable.  Certainly  I  had  some  cause  to  be  so ;  but  after 
what  I  have  known  of  the  power  that  is  able  indeed  to  help 
U3,  I  never  ought  to  give  way  to  anything  of  the  kind ;  all 
should  be  meekness,  gentleness  and  love.  Perhaps  I  said 
too  much  about  some  pictures  and  various  ornaments  that 
have  been  brought  from  France  for  us.    Much  as  I  love 


PASSINO  THBOUOH  THE  VALLEY. 


203 


true  Cliristian  simplicity,  yet  if  I  show  a  wrong  spirit  in  my 
desiie  to  maintain  it  in  our  house  and  furniture,  I  do  wrong 
and  harm  the  best  of  causes.  I  far  prefer  moderation,  both 
from  principle  and  taste,  although  my  experience  in  life 
proves  two  things :  first,  that  it  is  greatly  for  the  good  of 
the  community  to  live  accoiding  to  the  situation  in  which 
we  have  been  placed  by  a  kind  Providence  if  it  be  dona 
unto  the  Lord,  and  therefore  done  properly ;  then  I  believe 
that  by  so  doing  we  should  help  others  and  not  injui^e  our- 
selves. Second,  I  have  so  much  seen  the  extreme  impor- 
tance of  occupation  to  the  well-being  of  mankind,  as  to  be 
convinced  that  many  works  of  art  which  tend  to  om-  accom- 
modation, and  even  the  gratification  of  our  taste,  may  be 
innocently  partaken  of,  may  be  used  and  not  abused,  and 
kept  in  their  proper  places ;  as  by  so  doing  we  encourage 
that  sort  of  employment  which  prevents  the  active  powers 
of  man  from  being  spent  in  things  that  are  evil." 

In  reference  to  the  above,  and  other  occasional  confea^ 
sions  of  irritability  by  Mrs.  Fry,  her  daughters  bear  the  fol- 
lowing testimony: — 

"  The  contrition  so  frequently  expressed  in  the  course  of 
Mrs.  Fry's  journal  for  irritability  of  temper  is  calculated  to 
mislead  a  stranger  who  would  naturally  suppose  that  it 
must  occasionally  have  betrayed  itself  in  conduct.  To 
those  who  intimately  knew  the  never-failing  gentleness,  for- 
bearance and  Christian  meekness  of  her  deportment,  that 
such  feelings  ever  ruffled  her  mind  is  almost  inexplicable. 
Those  most  closely  connected  with  her,  in  the  nearest  and 
most  familiar  relations  of  life,  can  unhesitatingly  bear 
their  testimony  to  the  fact  that  they  never  saw  her  in  what 
is  called  a  pet,  or  heard  an  angry,  or  passionate  expression 
of  displeasure  pass  from  her  lips.  Her  tender  conscience, 
and  fear  of  offence  towards  God  and  man  can  alone  account 


^04 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


for  these  outpourings  of  the  hidden  evils  of  her  heart." 

Even  this  last  clause,  is  considered  by  her  friend  and 
biographer,  Mrs.  Corder,  as  too  great  an  admission. 
"Surely,"  she  says,  "they  can  scarcely  be  termed  eviis. 
Sin  does  not  consist  in  being  tempted.  The  Apostle  says, 
•Blessed  is  the  man  who  endureth  temptation,  for  -when  he 
is  tried  he  shall  receive  a  crown  of  life.'  There  is  abundant 
evidence  that  if  a  temptation  to  any  feeling  of  irritability  of 
temper  ever  presented  itself  to  the  mind  of  this  meek  ser- 
vant of  Chiist,  it  was  resisted  and  overcome  thi'ough  His 
grace.  Her  husband  has  recently  given  the  Compiler  a  full 
assurance  of  this  in  the  following  words : — '  I  never  knew 
her  do  an  act,  and  never  heai*d  her  utter  a  word  that,  in  her 
most  solemn  moments,  she  could  have  wished  to  recall.' " 

I  am  not  sure  that  Mrs.  Fry  can  be  so  fully  vindicated  on 
another  point ;  unless  it  be  lawful  to  throw  the  responsibil- 
ity for  our  conduct  upon  those  who  have  made  us  rules  and 
exacted  obedience  by  penalties  too  hard  to  be  borne.  That 
point  is  where  she  declined,  in  obedience  to  the  rules  of  her 
religious  Society,  to  witness  the  marriage  of  such  of  her 
children  as  chose  companions  of  another  persuasion,  and  ac- 
cepted the  aid  of  a  "  hireling  priest  "  at  the  marriage  cere- 
mony. If  these  children  manifested  no  irritability  on  these 
occasions,  or  afterwards,  I  think  it  is  proof  that  they  in- 
herited some  of  their  mother's  virtue. 

There  is  no  evidence  that  she  dissented  from  the  nan-ow 
rule  of  her  over-scrupulous  sect  in  this  matter,  and  she 
must  therefore  bear  the  reproach  of  what  looks  very  much 
like  bigotry  in  her  thus  sitting  apart  in  sackcloth  and  ashes 
while  her  childi-en  were  joining  hands  for  life  with  partners 
of  their  own  choice  and  in  the  manner  that  best  pleased 


PASSING  THKOUQH  THE  VALLEY. 


205 


their  companions  or  themselves.  Still  we  shall  find  our- 
selves unable  to  judge  her  severely  when  we  read  her  care* 
ful  records  of  these  sore  trials. 

"Flasket,  Eighth  Month,  l^th. — My  beloved  daughter 
Kachel  was  married  last  Fifth-day,  the  23rd,  at  Runcton, 
by  my  brother-in-law  Francis  Cunningham. 

Plashet,  Ninth  Month,  drd. — I  doubt  not  but  that  my 
late  tendency  to  depression  of  spirits  is  caused  not  only  by 
the  sorrow  which  I  certainly  feel,  and  great  disappointment 
from  a  child  not  keeping  to  principles  that  I  have  brought 
her  up  in,  and  also  from  the  deep  sense  I  have  of  then-  in- 
trinsic value ;  but,  moreover,  that  I  have  to  bear  my  con- 
duct in  the  affair  being  misconstrued  by  others.  Yet  I 
have  certainly  met  with  much  kindness,  great  love  and  sym- 
pathy, and  from  quarters  where  I  should  least  have  expected 
it,  also  particularly  from  the  Friends  of  my  own  Monthly 
Meeting. 

"I  am  very  much  absorbed  at  home  where  many  things 
deeply  occupy  my  heart  and  head.  To  do  right  in  my  many 
relative  duties  is  very  difficult.  How  deeply  I  feel  my 
Bhortcomings  in  them!  and  yet  I  fervently  desii'e  to  do  my 
best." 

"  Dagenham,  Tenth  Month,  3rd,  1833. — Here  I  am,  sit- 
ting in  solitude,  keeping  silence  before  the  Lord;  on  the 
wedding-day  of  my  beloved  son  William.  As  I  could  not 
conscientiously  attend  the  marriage  I  believe  it  right  to 
withdraw  for  the  day.  "Words  appear  very  inadequate  to 
express  the  earnestness,  the  depth  of  my  supplication  for 
him  and  his — that  the  blessing  of  the  Most  High  may  rest 
upon  them.  As  for  myself,  I  sit  solitary,  in  many  things, 
but  I  thought  to  day  (from  this  wedding  bringing  these 
things  home  to  me). — Have  I  not  my  Lord  as  my  friend  and 
my  comforter?  and  is  He  not  a  husband  to  all  the  members, 
of  His  church?  and  am  I  not  often  satisfied  and  refreshed, 
by  His  love  ?  " 


206 


ELIZABETH  FE7. 


How  different  is  the  picture,  and  certainly  a  very  pleas- 
ing one,  when  her  da  ughter  Richenda,  like  a  good  gu'l,  mar- 
ries in  the  Society  and  agreeably  to  its  truly  beautiful  order, 

"  21st,  (May,  1828).— The  day  before  yesterday  the  wed- 
ding was  accomplished.  The  Meeting  was  solemn  and  sat- 
isfactory. Our  bride  and  bridegroom  spoke  well  and  with 
feeling.*  My  dearest  brother  Joseph  prayed  for  them,  and 
ministered  to  them ;  as  did  others.  I  prayed  at  the  close  of 
the  Meeting  most  earnestly  for  them,  for  the  other  yoang 
people,  and  ourselves  further  advanced  in  life.  After  a 
short,  solemn  silence  the  certificate  was  read  and  signed. 
In  the  morning  we  had  a  satisfactory  reading  with  our 
childi-en. 

"  Thanks  be  to  our  Heavenly  Father  there  was,  I  think, 
throughout  the  day,  a  great  mixture  of  real  solemnity  with 
true  cheerfulness.  It  was  certainly  no  common  day. 
Through  everything,  order,  quietness,  and  cheerfulness 
were  remarkably  maintained.  After  dinner  I  returned 
thanks  for  our  many  blessings,  and  could,  with  a  few  pres- 
ent, feel  how  many  outward  deliverances  we  had  experi- 
enced ;  that  we  had  had  our  heads  kept  above  the  waters, 
Bpu'itually  and  temporally,  and  were  able  to  have  such  a  day 
of  rejoicing.  Our  dear  bride  and  bridegoom  left  us  in  the 
afternoon.  The  evening  was  fine  and  our  lawn  looked 
really  beautiful,  covered  with  the  large  and  interesting 
party.  la  the  evening  we  assembled  together  and  had  a 
solemn  religious  time,  giving,  I  trust,  the  praise  that  was 
due  alone  to  Him  from  whom  all  good  and  blessings  flow." 

The  closing  scene  above  referred  to  is  thus  described  in 

•QuaVers  marry  witbout  the  aid  of  a  minister,  mutually  taking  eaoli 
other  a3  wife  and  husband,  and  pledging  love  and  fidelity  nntildea^ 
A  certificate  is  lliea  signed  by  the  parties,  and  otiiers  present. 


PASSING  THEOUGH  THE  VALLEY. 


207 


the  Memoir — perhaps  by  the  hand  of  the  daughter  whose 

mairiage  had  caused  a  very  different  feeling : 

"  This  marriage  -was  hailed  by  Elizabeth  Fry  with  sincere 
pleasure:  not  only  was  the  connexion  highly  acceptable  to 
her,  and  one  that  she  believed  likely  to  promote  the  happi- 
ness of  her  child,  but  it  also  possessed  wliat  was,  in  her 
estimation,  the  peculiar  advantage  of  being  with  a  member 
of  the  Society  of  Friends.  Whilst  her  hospitable  and  afe'ec- 
tionate  nature  was  gratified  with  the  prospect  of  receiving 
the  bridal  party  at  Plashet,  she  craved  spiritual  blessings 
for  the  two  most  interested,  and  that  the  occasion,  like  the 
marriage  at  Cana  in  Gallilee,  might  be  owned  by  the  pres- 
ence of  the  Lord.  It  was  a  beautiful  summer  day;  the  sun 
shone  brilliantly ;  Plashet  was  arrayed  in  all  its  verduie, 
gay  with  bright  flowers,  and  sprinkled  with  groups  of  happy 
young  people.  After  the  bride  was  gone,  one  of  the  sisters 
crossed  the  lawn  to  speak  to  her  mother.  She  said  some- 
thing of  the  scene  before  them  and  the  outward  prosperity 
which  seemed  to  surround  that  beloved  parent.  The  reply 
was  remarkable ;  for  after  expressing  a  strong  feeling  of 
gratification  and  enjoyment  she  added  in  words  which  have 
riveted  themselves  on  the  memory  of  her  to  whom  they 
were  addressed — 'But  I  have  remarked  that  when  great 
outward  prosperity  is  granted,  it  is  often  permitted  to  pre- 
cede great  trials.'    There  is  an  an  old  rhyme  which  says, 

*  When  joy  seemeth  highest 
Then  sorrow  is  nighest ! ' 

Surely  this  was  verified  in  the  contrast  between  that  day 
and  the  events  which  so  shortly  followed." 

''Flasket,  Eleventh  Month,  ith,  1828.— I  have  been 
favored  to  partake  of  very  sweet  feelings  of  peace  and  re- 
freshment of  soul— that  which  I  am  ready  to  believe,  in  the 
most  unmerited  mercy,  is  something  of  the  '  Well  of  water 


208 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


BpriDgrng  up  unto  eternal  life.'  But  I  find  outwardly,  and 
about  me  tliere  are  storms ;  not,  at  present,  so  much  in  my 
very  own  borders  as  close  to  them. 

"  15th. — The  storm  has  now  entered  my  own  borders — 
once  more  we  are  brought  into  perplexity  and  trial — but  I 
have  this  consolation,  'He  will  regard  the  prayer  of  the 
destitute,  and  not  despise  their  prayer.'  To  whom  can  I 
go  in  this  time  of  emergency  but  to  Him  who  hitherto  has 
helped  me,  and  provided  for  me  and  mine  in  a  marvelous 
mannei- — made  darkness  light  before  me,  and  crooked 
things  straight?  Lord!  Thou  who  remainest  to  be  the 
God  of  my  life,  above  all  things  in  this,  our  sorrow  and 
perplexity,  cast  us  not  out  of  Thy  presence,  and  take  not 
Thy  Holy  Spirit  from  us;  keep  us  from  evil  and  from  the 
appearance  of  it,  that  through  the  help  of  Thy  spuit  our 
conduct  may  be  kept  upright,  circumspect,  and  clean  in 
Thy  sight,  and  amongst  men!  that  in  all  things,  at  all 
times,  and  under  all  circumstances,  we  may  show  forth  Thy 
praise.  Keep  us  ia  love  and  unity  with  those  with  whom 
we  have  to  act  even  if  they  do  contrary  to  our  wishes  and 
judgment.  But  oh,  dearest  Lord,  if  it  be  Thy  holy  will, 
make  a  way  of  escape  for  us  from  the  calamity  we  so  much 
diead,  and  continue,  in  Thy  unmerited  mercy,  to  provide 
for  Thy  unworthy  servant,  her  family,  and  all  concerned 
in  this  trial,  that  we  may  not  want  what  is  good  and  need- 
ful for  us,  and  that  others  may  be  kept  from  suffering 
tlu'ough  us.  If  it  be  possible  remove  this  bitter  cup  from 
us ;  yet  if  it  be  Thy  will  that  we  drink  it,  enable  us  through 
the  grace  and  spirit  of  Him  who  suffered  for  us  to  di'ink  it 
without  repining, — yet  trusting  in  Thy  love,  Thy  mercy, 
and  Thy  judgment." 

This  time  the  cup  was  not  removed,  though  the  prayer 
was  granted.  During  a  severe  financial  crisis  which  occurred 
at  this  time,  1828,  in  England,  one  of  the  business  houses 
in  which  Joseph  Fry  was  a  partner,  though  not  that  which 


PASSING  THBOVOB  THE  VALLET. 


209 


be  personally  conducted,  failed  in  a  manner  that  "  involved 
Elizabeth  Fry  and  her  family  in  a  train  of  sorrows  and  per- 
plexities which  tinged  the  remaining  years  of  her  life. 
Nature  staggered  beneath  the  blow — but  the  staff  on  which 
Bhe  leaned  could  not  fail  her  and  she  fell  not." 

"  Eleventh  Months  l^th. — I  have  been  brought  at  times 
into  little  less  than  anguish  of  spirit;  not  I  think  so  much 
for  what  we  must  suffer  ourselves,  as  for  what  others  may 
suffer.  The  whole  thing  appears  fraught  with  distress. 
When  I  look  at  this  mysterious  dispensation,  permitted  by 
Almighty  Wisdom,  I  am  ready  to  say,  How  is  it  Lord,  Thou 
dealest  thus  with  Thy  servant  who  loves  Thee,  trusts  Thee, 
and  fears  Thy  name? — and  then  I  say,  this  is  my  infirmity 
thus  to  query.  Need  I  not  chastisement?  Do  I  not  de- 
serve it  ?  May  it  not  be  a  mysterious  dispensation  of  deep 
and  sore  affliction  laid  not  only  upon  us,  but  upon  others, 
to  draw  us  all  more  from  the  things  of  time,  and  to  set  us 
more  on  the  enduring  riches  of  Eternity?  I  cannot  reason 
upon  it ;  I  must  bow,  and  only  bow,  and  say  in  my  heart, 
which  I  believe  I  do,  'Not  as  I  will,  but  as  Thou  wilt.' 
Well,  if  it  be  of  the  Lord,  let  Him  do  as  seemeth  Him 
good.  Lord,  let  Thy  grace  be  found  sufficient  for  us  in  this 
most  awful  time;  and  grant  that  we  faint  not  when  Thou 
rebukest  us." 

The  circumstances  which  caused  this  misfortune  to  be  so 
peculiarly  distressing  are  not  stated.  We  are  left  to  con- 
jecture the  meaning  of  that  "if  it  be  of  the  Lord,"  and 
why,  "on  the  following  Sunday  the  question  was  much  do- 
bated  as  to  whether  she,  and  her  family  generally,  should 
attend  their  meeting  for  worship,  or  not."  But  "sAe  felt  it 
right  to  go,  and  of  course  she  was  accompanied  by  her  hus- 
band and  children.  She  took  her  usual  seat,  bowed  down 
and  overwhelmed,  with  the  bitter  tears  rolling  down  her 


210 


ELIZAijETH  FRY. 


cteeks — no  common  thing  with  her.  After  a  very  solemn 
pause,  she  rose  -with  these  words,  her  voice  trembling  with 
emotion;  'Though  He  slay  me  yet  will  I  trust  in  Him;* 
and  testified,  in  a  short  and  beautiful  discom'se,  that  her 
faith  and  love  were  as  strong  in  the  hour  of  adversity  as 
they  had  been  in  the  time  of  prosperity.  Her  friends  were 
deeply  affected,  marking  by  their  manner,  their  sympathy 
and  love." 

To  her  only  absent  child  she  wrote : 

"jPlashet,  Eleventh  Month,  27th.  1828, 

**Mt  Deakest  B.  : 

I  have  at  last  taken  up  my  pen  to  write  to  thee ;  but  to 
one  so  near,  and  so  much  one  with  myself,  it  is  difScult.  I 
do  not  like  to  pour  out  my  sorrows  too  heavily  upon  thee, 
nor  do  I  like  to  keep  thee  in  the  dark  as  to  our  real  state. 
This  is,  I  consider,  one  of  the  deepest  trials  to  which  we  are 
liable ;  its  perplexities  are  so  great  and  numerous,  its  mor- 
tifications and  humiliation  so  abounding,  and  its  sorrows  so 
deep.  None  can  tell,  but  those  who  have  passed  thiough 
it,  the  anguish  of  heart  at  times  felt ;  but  thanks  be  to  our 
God  this  extreme  state  of  distress  has  not  been  very  fre- 
quent, nor  its  continuance  very  long.  I  frequently  find  my 
mind,  in  degree,  sheathed  to  the  deep  sorrows,  and  am  en- 
abled not  to  look  so  much  at  them — but  there  are  also  times 
when  secondary  things  arise — parting  with  servants,  the 
poor  around  us,  schools,  and  our  dear  Place.  These  things 
overwhelm  me ;  indeed  I  think  naturally  I  have  a  very  acute 
sense  of  sorrow.  Then  the  bright  side  of  the  picture  rises. 
I  have  found  such  help  and  strength  in  prayer  to  God ;  and, 
highly  mysterious  as,  in  some  points  of  view,  this  dispensa- 
tion may  be,  yet  I  think  I  have  frequently,  if  not  generally, 
come  to  be  able  to  say,  'Not  as  I  will,  but  as  Thou  wilt,' 
and  to  bow  imder  it.  All  our  children,  and  children-in-law, 
my  brothers  and  sisters,  oui-  many  friends  and  servants, 


PASSING  THBOUGH  THE  VALLEY. 


211 


have  been  a  strong  consolation  to  me ;  and  above  all  a  little 
refreshment  to  my  tribukted  spirit  has  been  granted  me 
at  times  from  what  I  trust  are  the  -well-springs  from  on 
High." 

"  The  tide  of  sympathy  flowed  marvelously  in  from  all 
quarters.  The  mass  of  letters  that  exist  attest  by  how 
many,  and  how  well  she  was  loved,  how  highly  she  was 
valued,  and  upon  how  many  hearts  she  and  her  sorrows 
were  borne." 

Feom  William  Wilbebforce. 

^'Farnham  Castle,  2%th.  Nov.  182a 

**My  deab  Friend  : 

Though  my  eyes  are  just  now  weaker  than  usual,  I  must 
claim  a  short  exercise  of  their  powers  for  the  purpose  of  ex« 
pressing  to  you  the  warm  sympathy  which  Mrs.  Wilber- 
force,  and  indeed  all  of  my  family  that  have  the  pleasure  of 
knowing  you,  as  well  as  myself,  are  feeling  on  your  account. 
Yet  you,  I  doubt  not  will  be  enabled  to  feel  as  well  as  to 
know,  that  even  this  event  will  be  one  of  those  which  in 
your  instance  are  working  for  good.  You  have  been  en- 
abled to  exhibit  a  bright  specimen  of  Christian  excellence 
in  doing  the  will  of  God,  and  I  doubt  not  you  will  manifest 
a  similar  specimen  in  the  harder  and  more  difficult  exercise 
of  suffering  it.  I  have  often  thought  that  we  are  some- 
times apt  to  forget  that  key  for  unlocking  what  we  deem  a 
very  mysterious  dispensation  of  Providence,  in  the  misfor- 
tunes and  afflictions  of  eminent  servants  of  God  that  is  af- 
forded by  a  passage  in  St.  Paul's  Epistle  to  his  beloved 
Philippians.  '  Unto  you  it  is  given  not  only  to  believe  on 
Him,  but  also  to  suffer  for  His  sake.'  It  is  the  strong  only 
that  will  be  selected  for  exhibiting  those  gvacee  which  xq. 
quii-e  peculiar  strength.  May  you,  my  dear  friend  (mdeed 
I  doubt  not  you  will)  be  enabled  Lo  bear  the  whole  will  of 
God,  with  cheerful  confidence  in  His  unerring  wisdom  and 
unfailing  goodness.    May  every  loss  of  this  world's  wealth 


^12 


ELIZABETH  FRT. 


be  more  than  compensated  by  a  larger  measure  of  tlie  un* 
searchable  liches  of  Christ.  You  will  not  forget  that  the 
time  is  short ;  but  there  will  be  no  end  to  that  eternity  of 
happiness  and  glory  which  I  doubt  not  will  in  your  instance 
follow  it.  Meanwhile  you  aie  richly  provided  with  relatives 
and  friends  whom  you  love  so  well  as  to  relish  receiving 
kindnesses  from  them,  as  well  as  the  far  easier  office  of  doing 
them.  That  you  may  be  blessed  with  a  long  continuance 
of  usefulness  and  comfort  in  this  world,  to  be  followed  by 
a  still  better  portion  in  a  better,  is  the  cordial  wish  and  shall 
J3e  the  prayer  also  of  (begging  from  you  a  frequent  per- 
formance of  the  last  named  office  of  friendship  for  myself 
and  mine), 

My  dear  Mrs.  Fry, 

Your  sincere  and  affectionate  Friend, 

W.  WlLBEEFOECE.'* 

Fbom  the  Eev.  John  W.  Cunningham. 

"  Uarroio,  November,  26i/t,  1828. 

"My  TEBY  DEAR  FeIEND  : — 

I  need  not  tell  you  with  what  sorrow  I  have  received 
the  most  unexpected  intelligence  which  reached  me  yester- 
day. It  is  but  a  short  time  since  I  was  called  to  sympa- 
thize with  a  near  relative  in  similar  circumstances,  and  now 
again  I  am  called  to  mourn  as  for  a  brother  and  a  friend. 
My  experience  in  the  former  case  has  enabled  me  to  take  a 
Inore  hopeful  and  cheerful  view  of  your  heavy  trial.  Per- 
haps, dear  friend,  this  event  may  be  made  a  blessing  to 
every  member  of  your  family;  and  we  must  not  complain  of 
a  little  rough  handling  when  the  jewels  are  to  be  polished 
for  the  treasury  of  God.  All  that  diives  us  home  to  Him 
and  to  the  power  of  His  Spirit  for  grace  and  strength  and 
joy  is  beyond  all  nrice  to  tne  soul.  Is  it  not  a  comfort  ta 
you,  dear  friend  at  this  moment,  that  you  Have  spent  so 
much  of  your  time  and  property  for  God  and  His  creatui'es? 


PASSING  THROUGH  THE  VALLEY. 


213 


is  not  money  given  to  the  poor  lent  to  the  Lord,  and  to  be  re- 
turned again,  in  some  form  or  other  '  with  usui-y  ?  '  I  beg 
my  very  kind  remembrances  to  Mr.  Fry  and  your  dear  chU- 
di-en.  I  have  ah-eady  been  led  to  pray  for  them  more  than 
once  that  this  affliction  may  be  sanctified  to  them,  and  that 
thoy  may  more  and  more  seek  the  durable  riches  of  the 
kingdom  of  Christ. 

"  My  wife  unites  with  me  ia  very  kind  regards,  and  I  am 
very  affectionately  youi'S. 

j.  w.  cukningham." 

Fbom  T.  Fowell  Bcxton. 

"  Northrepps,  Deccmhery  1st,  1828. 
«  My  deabest  Sister  : — 

I  have  hitherto,  I  confess,  shrunk  fiom  writing  to  you. 
Not  surely,  however,  from  any  want  of  feeling  for  you,  and 
with  you;  but  from  so  deep  a  sense  of  your  calamity  as  to 
make  all  attemps  at  comfort  appear  almost  idle.  A  very 
quiet  day  yesterday,  and  a  long  t'rae  tpent  over  the  69tli 
Psalm  from  the  13th  to  the  17th  verst,  with  pecuUar  ref- 
erence to  you,  have  given  me  more  encouragement.  I  am 
more  able  to  feel  that  we  may  confidently  commit  you  and 
yours  to  that  most  merciful  Lord  from  whom  the  dispen- 
sation has  come ;  and  I  have  been  comforted  by  the  reflec- 
tion, strange  comfort  as  it  may  seem,  that  you  and  all  of 
us  have  not  long  to  live ;  that  in  truth  it  signifies  little 
how  we  fare  here  for  a  few  years,  provided  we  are  safe  in 
that  long  and  endless  journey  upon  which  we  shall  soon 
enter.  I  think,  however,  I  have  in  some  degree  followed 
you  in  the  little  mortifications,  as  well  as  the  great  ones,  of 
this  trial.  I  am  not  sure  ikat  the  great  and  lasting  disaS: 
ter  is  so  galling  to  my  mind  at  the  moment,  as  some  of 
the  little  provoking  and  humbling  attendauts  on  it.  But 
since  the  time  I  spent  in  heart  with  you  yesterday  I  have 
been  able  in  some  measui'p  to  get  rid  of  these  intruders,  anj 
to  took  upon  you  under  the  aspect  of  one  beloved  of  Go.i, 


214 


ELIZABETH  FRY, 


honored  of  men,  and  more  than  ever  loved,  cherished  anij 
delighted  in  bj  a  large  brotherhood.  I  never  felt  so  keenly 
as  now  the  privilege  of  belonging  to  you,  or  so  conscious  of 
the  honor  and  benefit  of  such  a  sister ;  and  I  feel  no  dis- 
trust about  your  future  lot.  I  cannot  doubt  that  years  of 
contentment  and  happiness  await  you.  I  expect  that  your 
light  win  shine  forth  more  brightly  than  ever.  You  have 
ever  been  a  teacher  to  the  whole  family,  and  now  I  am 
confidently  persuaded  you  will  instruct  us  with  what  humili- 
ty, with  what  submission,  and  with  what  faith,'we  ought  to 
bear  our  deepest  trials.  What  comes  from  above  cannot  be 
bad  for  us  ;  and  under  the  sense  of  this  I  adopt  David's 
•words,  '  "^Tiy  art  thou  cast  down,  oh  my  soul !  and  why  art 
thou  disquieted  within  me  1  Hope  thou  in  God,  for  I  shall 
yet  praise  Him.'       Ever,  my  dearest  Betsey, 

Your  most  affectionate  brother 

T.  F.  Buxton." 

Fbom  Mbs.  Opib. 

"  Twelfth  Month,  11th.  {First-day  Morning)  1828. 

"  Though  I  have  not  hitherto  felt  free  in  mind  to  write  to 
thee,  my  very  dear  fiiend,  under  thy  present  most  severe 
trial,  thou  hast  been  continually,  I  may  say,  in  my  thoughts, 
brought  feehngly  and  solemnly  before  me,  both  day  and 
night.  But  I  am  now  desired  by  thy  sister  Catherine  to 
tell  thee  that  she  wil!  be  with  thee  to-morrow  evening.  I 
must  also  teU  thee,  to  please  myself,  that  two  nights  ago  I 
had  a  pleasing,  cheering  di'eam  of  thee ! 

"I  saw  thee  looking  thy  best,  diest  with  peculiar  care 
and  neatness,  and  smiling  so  brightly  that  I  could  not  help 
stroking  thy  cheek  and  saying,  '  Dear  friend !  it  is  quite  de- 
lightful to  me  to  see  thee  looking  thus  again,  so  like  the 
Betsey  Fry  of  former  days ; '  and  then  I  awoke.  But  this 
Bweet  image  of  thee  lives  with  me  still,  and  I  trust  that 
when  this  dark  cloud  has  passed  away  from  you  (as  it  has 


PASSING  THEOTJGH  THE  VALLEY. 


215 


passed  away  from  so  many,  many  others)  I  shall  not  only 
Bee  thee  in  a  dream,  but  in  reality,  as  those  who  love  thee 
desii'e  to  see  thee  always. 

"  Since  your  trials  were  known  I  have  rarely,  if  ever, 
opened  a  page  of  Scripture  without  finding  some  promise 
applicable  to  thee  and  thine.  I  do  not  believe  that  I  was 
looking  for  them,  but  they  presented  themselves  unsought, 
and  gave  me  comfort  and  confidence.  Do  not  suppose, 
dear  friend,  that  I  am  not  fully  aware  of  the  peculiar  bitter- 
ness and  suffering  which  attends  this  trial,  in  tLy  situation, 
to  thy  own  individual  feelings ;  but  then,  how  precious  and 
how  cheering  to  thee  must  be  the  evidence  it  has  called 
forth  of  the  love  and  respect  of  those  who  are  near  and  dear 
to  thee,  and  of  the  public  at  large !  Adversity  is  indeed 
the  time  to  try  the  hearts  of  our  friends,  and  it  must  bo 
now,  or  wiU  be  in  futm-e,  a  cordial  to  thee  to  remember 
that  thou  hast  proved  how  truly  and  generally  thou  art  be- 
loved and  reverenced." 

We  may  add  the  testimony  of  Mrs.  Corder  to  the  spirit 
manifested  by  Elizabeth  Fry  during  this  period. 

"  Whilst  this  precious  servant  of  God  was  thus  passing 
through  the  furnace  of  adversity,  the  Compiler  of  this  vol- 
ume was  privileged  to  belong  to  the  meeting  (that  of  Grace- 
church-street)  which,  when  her  state  of  health  permitted, 
Elizabeth  Fry  constantly  attended.  The  opportunities  of 
public  worship,  as  well  as  many  of  a  more  private  character, 
at  which  this  afflicted  handmaid  of  tb  Lord  was  united  in 
worship  with  her  endeared  friends,  were  often  favored  with 
a  solemnity  of  which  perhaps  no  adequate  idea  could  be 
conveyed  in  words ;  and  the  offerings  of  prayer  as  well  as, 
at  seasons,  of  devout  thanksgiving  which  she  was  enabled 
to  dedicate  to  her  Almighty  Sustainer,  were  accompanied 
by  a  heavenly  power  and  unction  that  cannot  even  now  be 
remembered  without  a  reverent  and  affecting  sense  of  that 


216 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


mercy  and  Fatherly  loving-kindness  which  thus  strength- 
ened her  to  glorify  God  in  this  furnace  of  affliction.  The 
sweetness  of  her  disposition  and  the  remarkable  wisdom, 
with  which  she  was  endowed  shone,  in  this  time  of  trial, 
with  increased  brightness." 

Her  daughters  observe: 

"She  had  a  quality  difficult  to  describe,  but  marked  to 
those  who  knew  her  well,  the  power  of  rapidly,  and  by  a 
process  of  thought  which  she  could  herself  hardly  have  ex- 
plained, arriving  at  the  truth,  striking  the  balance,  and  find- 
ing the  just  weight  of  a  question ;  no  natural  gift  could  be 
of  more  value  under  such  circumstances. 

"Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fry  resolved  upon  at  once  leaving  Plashet 
and  seeking  a  temporary  home  in  Mildred's  Court,  then 
the  residence  of  their  eldest  son.  One  great  mitigation  at- 
tended this  calamit}',  that  the  mercantile  business,  formerly 
their  grandfather's,  and  conducted  by  their  father,  remained 
to  the  young  men  of  the  family  who  were  thus  enabled  with 
the  important  assistance  of  their  mother's  brothers,  to  re- 
establish their  parents  in  comfort.  With  leaving  Plashet 
came  much  that  was  sad  uprooting  habits,  long-formed 
tastes  and  local  s,ssociaiions,  parting  with  servants,  and 
leaving  many  old  pensioners  and  dependents. 

"  Mrs.  Fry  had,  for  many  years,  displayed  singular  wis- 
dom and  economy  in  her  household  arrangements,  as  well 
as  in  her  charities  and  benevolent  objects,  varying  according 
to  the  chcumstances in  wnich  she  had  been  placed.  To  'be 
just  before  generous,'  was  a  maxim  often  expressed  to 
those  around  her.  On  this  occasion  these  powers  were 
called  into  full  action. 

"  As  ^vinter  advanced  her  health  greatly  failed.  Circum- 
stances occurred  to  weaken  her  husband's  and  children's 
attachment  to  the  Society  of  Friends.    Truly  the  sorrows 


PASSING  THBOTJGH  THE  VALLEY. 


217 


of  her  heart  were  enlarged.  She  exclaims  in  her  journal, 
(which  was  very  irregularly  kept)  that  her  '  soul  was  bowed 
down  within  her,  aud  her  eyes  were  red  with  weeping.' 
Yet  she  was  enabled  to  adopt  the  language  'I  will  hopa 
continually  and  yet  praise  Thee  more  and  more;'  and  a.so 
to  acknowledge  that  she  was  much  sustained  inwardly, 
and  that  at  times  her  heart  was  kept  in  almost  perfect 
peace.  In  addition  to  domestic  trials,  her  tender  feelings 
were  at  times  grievously  and  unnecessarily  wounded ;  from 
without,  there  was  much  of  bitterness  infused  into  ■  her 
daily  cup,  which  can  only  be  appreciated  by  those  who 
have  had  to  bear  the  brunt  of  a  sinular  calamity."  * 

"  Flasket,  Twelfth  Month,  IQth. — I  have  had  some  quiet, 
peaceful  hours,  but  I  continue  in  the  low  valley,  and  natu- 
rally feel  too  much  leaving  this  sweet  home,  but  not  being 
well  makes  my  spirits  more  weak  than  usual.  I  desire  not 
only  to  be  resigned,  but  cheerfully,  willing  to  give  up  what- 
ever is  requu'ed  of  me,  and  in  all  things  patiently  to  submit 
to  the  will  of  God,  and  to  estimate  my  many  remaining 
blessings.  I  am  sorry  to  find  how  much  I  cleave  to  some 
earthly  things — health,  ease,  places,  possessions.  Lord, 
Thou  alone  canst  enable  me  to  estimate  them  justly,  and  to 
keep  them  in  their  right  places.  In  Thine  own  waj',  dear- 
est Lord,  accomplish  Thine  own  work  in  me,  to  Thine  own 
praise!  grant  that  out  of  weakness  I  may  yet  be  made 
strong,  and  through  Thy  power  wax  valiant  in  fight,  and 
may  yet,  if  consistent  with  Thy  holy  will,  see  of  the  travail 
of  my  soul  and  be  satisfied,  as  it  respects  myself  and  my 
most  tenderly  beloved  family.    Amen ! 

"■Mildred's  Court,  First  Month,  19th,  1829.— My  first 
jom-nal  in  this  year!  What  an  eventful  one  was  the  last! 
prosperity  and  adversity  were  peculiarly  our  portion.  It 
lias  been  in  no  common  degree  a  picture  of  life  comprised 
in  a  small  compass.    However,  through  all,  in  prosperity 

*  Memoir  Vol.  2,  page  95.  < 


218 


ELIZABETH  rut. 


and  in  adversity,  however  bright,  or  cloudy  my  present 
position  or  prospects  may  be,  my  desire  for  myself  and  all 
whom  I  love  is  this,  so  strongly  expressed  by  the  Psalmist, 
*  I  will  hope  continually  and  will  yet  praise  Thee  more  and 
more ! '  So  be  it,  saith  my  soul,  and  if  it  be  the  Lord's 
will,  may  light  rise  in  our  present  obscurity,  and  our  dark- 
ness become  as  the  noonday,  both  as  to  temporal  and  spir- 
itual prospects ! " 

That  she  suffered  an  undue  sense  of  humiliation,  from 
the  failure  of  her  husband  and  the  mortifying  incidents  at 
tending  it,  of  the  nature  of  which  we  are  not  informed, 
shown  by  a  letter  from  her  faithful  friend  and  co-laborer 
Mr.  Wilberforce,  dated  one  day  after  the  above  entry. 

"  Highwood  Hill,  Middlesex,  SOth  January,  1829. 
•'My  dear  Friend: 

Though  my  eyes  are  just  now  so  indifferent  that  I  muSfc 
be  extremely  sparing  in  the  use  of  my  pen,  yet  I  cannot  for- 
bear or  delay  assuring  you,  that  I  do  not  see  how  it  is  pos- 
sible for  any  reasonable  being  to  doubt  the  propriety,  (tha^ 
is  a  very  inadequate  way  of  speaking — let  me  rather  say 
absolute  duty,)  of  your  renewing  your  prison  visitations. 
A  gracious  Providence  has  blessed  you  with  success  in  youi 
endeavors  to  impress  a  set  of  miserables  whose  character 
and  circumstances  might  almost  have  extinguished  hope; 
and  you  will  return  to  them,  if  with  diminished  pecuniary 
powers,  yet  we  may  trust,  through  the  mercy  and  goodness 
of  our  Heavenly  Father,  with  powers  of  a  far  higher  order 
unimpaired,  and  with  the  augmented  respect  and  regard  of 
every  sound  judgment,  not  merely  of  every  Christian  mind, 
for  having  borne,  with  becoming  dispositions,  a  far  harder 
trial,  (for  such  it  is,)  certainly  than  any  stroke  which  pro- 
ceeds immediately  from  the  hand  of  God.  May  you  con- 
tinue, my  dear  madam,  to  be  the  honored  instrument  of 
great  and  rare  benefits  to  almost  the  most  pitiable  of  your 
fellow-creatures. 


PASSING  THEOtJaH  THE  VAIXEY. 


219 


"llrs.  Wilberforce  desires  to  join  with  me  in  saying  that 
we  hope  Ave  shall  again  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you,  by 
and  hy,  at  this  place.  Meanwhile,  with  every  kind  regard, 
and  friendly  remembrances  to  Mr.  Fry,  and  your  family 
circle,  I  remain,  with  cordial  esteem  and  regard. 

My  dear  friend,  very  sincerely  yours, 

W.  WlLBEKFORCE." 

For  our  instruction  it  is  well  to  note  that  the  dark  shadow 
of  misfortune  was  not  suddenly  or  miraculously,  lifted  from 
the  heart  and  home  of  this  devoted  Christian.  When  relief 
came,  it  came,  as  we  should  say  naturally — that  is  by  God's 
regular  appointment — through  her  again  entering,  after 
months  of  painful  waiting,  upon  the  active  duties  of  her 
various  callings. 

"During  that  mournful  winter  in  London,"  write  her 
daughters,  "there  were  periods  of  peculiar  suffering  and 
anxiety.  Mrs.  Fry's  own  health  being  so  shaken  by  her 
severe  mental  distresses,  as  nearly  to  confine  her  to  her 
room,  with  a  bad  cough.  Her  beloved  son  William  was  on 
the  bed  of  sickness  from  oppression  of  the  brain,  the  result 
of  an  overstrained  and  exhausted  mind.  Shortly  afterwards 
her  daughter-in-law  was,  in  the  same  house,  in  an  alarming 
state  of  illness,  and  a  friend  who  came  to  assist  in  nursing, 
was  taken  ill  with  the  measles.  The  measles  in  a  grown  up 
family  becomes  a  serious  disease.  They  were  driven  from 
London  in  consequence,  though  too  late  to  escape  infec- 
tion, and  took  shelter  in  the  vacant  house  at  Plashet, 
which  for  many  weeks  became  a  scene  of  anxious  nursing. 
Thence  they  removed,  early  in  June,  to  a  small  but  commo- 
dious dwelling  in  Upton  Lane,  immediately  adjoining  the 


220 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


Ham  House  grounds,  the  residence  of  her  beloved  brother 
Samuel  Gm-ney,  Esq." 

"Mildred's  Court,  Third  Month. — ^It  appears  late  to  be- 
gin the  joui-nal  of  a  year ;  but  the  constant  press  of  engage- 
ments to  which  I  am  liable  in  this  place  prevent  my  having 
time  for  much  writing.  We  are  remaining  here  with  our 
eon  and  daughter  and  their  childi'en  until  there  is  some 
opening  for  having  a  settled  home.  However  my  desu'e  is 
that  we  may  in  faith  and  humility  entu'ely  bow.  I  have  of 
late  not  visited  the  prisons  and  been  much  occupied  at 
home;  but  I  trust  that  I  may  be  permitted  to  enter  this 
interesting  work  again,  clothed  as  with  fresh  armor,  both 
to  defend  me  and  qualify  me  for  fresh  service;  that  my 
bands  may  be  taught  to  war,  and  my  fingers  to  fight ;  and 
that,  if  consistent  with  the  will  of  my  God,  I  may,  through 
the  help  of  the  Captain  of  my  salvation,  yet  do  valiantly. 

"  Upton,  10th. — We  are  now  nearly  settled  in  this  our 
oew  abode ;  and  I  may  say,  although  the  house  and  garden 
are  small,  it  is  pleasant  and  convenient,  and  I  am  fully  sat- 
isfied, and  I  am  thankful  for  such  a  home.  I  have  at  times 
been  favored  to  feel  great  peace,  and  I  may  say  joy,  in  the 
Jliord — a  sort  of  seal  to  the  important  step  taken ;  though 
at  others  the  extreme  disorder  into  which  things  have  been 
brought  by  all  these  changes,  and  the  difficulty  of  making 
new  arrangements  has  harassed  and  tried  me.  But  I  trust 
ifc  will  please  a  kind  Providence  to  bless  my  endeavor  to 
have  and  keep  my  house  in  order.  Place  is  a  matter  of 
small  importance  if  that  peace  which  the  world  cannot  give 
be  our  portion — even  at  limes — as  a  brook  by  the  way — to 
the  refreshment  of  our  weary  and  heavy  laden  souls.  Al- 
though a  large  garden  is  not  now  my  allotment,  I  feel 
pleasure  in  having  even  a  small  one,  and  my  acute  relish 
for  the  beautiful  in  nature  and  art  is,  on  a  clear  day,  almost 
constantly  gratified  by  a  delightful  view  of  Greenwich  Hos- 
pital and  Park,  and  other  parts  of  Kent,  the  shipping  oH 
the  river  as  well  as  the  cattle  in  the  meadows.   So  that  io 


PASSING  THEOTTGH  THE  VALLEY. 


221 


small  things  and  great,  spiritual  and  temporal,  I  have  yel 
reason  to  raise  up  my  Ebenezer,  and  praise,  bless  and  mag. 
nify  the  name  of  my  Lord. 

"Sixth  Month,  23rc?. — I  little  expected  to  attend  the 
Yearly  Meeting,  having  of  late  appeared  to  be  <'<^  much 
taken  out  of  such  things  and  such  services ;  but,  contrary 
to  my  expectation,  way  opened  for  me  to  attend  every  sit- 
ting, and  to  take  rather  an  active  part  in  it,  to  my  real  con- 
solation, refreshment  and  help.  The  unity  of  Friends  was 
remarkable.  I  certainly  felt  very  low  at  the  commencement. 
After  having,  for  so  many  years,  received  dear  friends  at 
my  house,  and  that  with  heartfelt  pleasm-e,  it  tried — not  to 
say  puzzled  me,  why  such  a  change  was  permitted  me. 
But  I  rest  in  the  weighty  import  of  the  words,  '  That  which 
I  do  thou  knowest  not  now,  but  thou  shalt  know  here- 
after.'" 

Can  anything  exceed  the  admirable  temper  and  disposi- 
tion thus  exhibited  during  a  great  trial.  IVIitigated  indeed 
the  trial  was,  in  many  respects  by  the  ability  and  generosity 
of  her  friends ;  and  a  beautiful  picture  the  whole  presents 
of  a  Christian  family  and  society  closing  round  the  falling 
member,  with  quick  and  tender  care,  and  not  only  breaking 
the  fall  as  much  as  love  could  do  it,  but  as  soon  as  might 
be,  again  establishing  the  broken  home  in  peace  and  com- 
fort, and  continuing  such  aid  so  long  as  necessary.  The 
graceful  manner  in  which  this  was  done  may  be  seen  from 
the  follov/ing  extracts  of  letters  to  Elizabeth  Fry  from  her 
brother  Joseph  John  Gurney,  both  before  and  after  these 
events,  during  which  all  needful  aid  was  given  by  her 
brothers  and  some  other  friends  in  the  most  delicate  and 
hearty  manner. 

"  Earlham,  First  Month,  VJth,  1819. 
*'My  dearest  Betsey: 

♦  He  that  ftiveth  let  him  do  it  with  simplicity.'   In  tha 


222 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


desire  to  fulfil  this  precept,  I  may  state  tliat  I  have  on  the 
Bettlement  of  my  accounts,  five  hundred  pounds  to  spare; 
and  after  some  consideration,  believe  it  my  duty  to  apply  it 
to  the  oiling  of  thy  wheels.  I  therefore  put  it  into  Sam« 
uel's  hands  to  whom  thou  mayst  apply  for  the  money,  as 
wanted.  My  intention  is  that  it  should  be  a  little  stock  in 
band,  to  meet  thy  private  and  personal  exigencies.  My 
condition  is  that  thou  wilt  not  say  a  vrord  about  it  to  any 
one.  Of  course  I  take  no  refusal  and  can  admit  but  very 
little  gratitude." 

«« Konoich,  First  Ifonth,  lOiA,  1836. 
"I  have  a  sua-plus  fund  which  I  think  I  ought  to  dispose 
of  at  the  winding  up  of  the  yeai*  1835,  and  I  had  been 
thinking  of  sending  thee  a  portion  of  it,  to  which  thou  art 
perfectly  welcome.  I  order  Barc'ey  and  Co.,  to  pay  the 
diaft  for  the  amount.  Pray  do  not  allow  thyself  any  com* 
puuction  or  hesitation  on  this  point.  I  shall  always  de- 
pend on  thy  being  perfectly  free  ia  mentioning  thy  needs 
to  me.  In  fact  it  is  a  kindness,  as  I  do  not  consider  that 
jny  cii'cumstances  justify  much,  if  any,  accumulation. 

"  In  haste  thy  very  affectionate  brother 

  J.  J.  GURNEY." 

"P.  S. — I  shall  consider  myself  very  ill-used  if  thou  art 
ever  detected  in  walking  when  it  is  better  for  thy  health 
thoushouldst  ride,  or  if  thou  art  ever  denying  thyself  any 
of  the  comforts  of  life  which  are  needful  for  thee." 

It  is  pleasant  to  add  a  tribute  from  this  excellent  and  ao 
complished  man,  to  his  sister's  worth,  and  her  rare  psrsonal 
qua  ities,  found  in  his  journal,  bearing  date  about  the  time 
we  have  now  reached  in  her  history. 

"Kinth  Month,  17th.  (1S2S).— Tho  time  which  has 
passed  since  I  lust  wrote  has  been  fraught  v.itli  lively  in- 
terests.   My  dear  sister  Iry's  satisfactory  and  comforting 


PASSING  THBOUGH  THE  VALLE7. 


223 


visit,  from  fourth  to  seventh  day  last,  was  perhaps  the  prin- 
cipal. I  never  saw  her,  that  I  remember,  in  a  more  favored 
condition,  and  she  was  the  means  of  raising  me  considerably 
in  the  scale  of  spu-itual  feeling,  Avherein  I  am  so  very  apt  to 
find  a  low  place.  Greatly  gifted  she  assui'edly  is,  both  by 
nature  and  grace,  and  is  enabled  to  exercise  a  gentle  and  un- 
seen, yet  powerful  influence  over  all  about  her.  She  waa 
present  at  our  large  and  highly  favored  Monthly  Meeting, 
last  fifth-day,  and  was  memorably  engaged  amongst  us  as  a 
caughter  of  cousolatiou." 


CHAPTER  EIGHTH. 


BISINO  UP  THE  MOTOTAINS. 

"  Eighth  Month,  l^th,  1829.— Our  wedding-day !  twenty, 
nine  years  since  we  were  married !  My  texts  for  the  morn- 
ing are  applicable : — '  Our  light  affliction,  which  is  but  for 
a  moment  worketh  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal 
weight  of  glory.' — 'We  walk  by  faith,  not  by  sight.'  As  fai 
as  we  can  judge  from  external  appearances,  mine  has  not 
been  a  common  life.  He  who  seeth  in  secret  only  knows 
the  unutterable  depths  and  sorrows  I  have  had  to  pass 
through,  as  well  as,  at  other  times,  I  may  almost  say,  joys 
'inexpressible  and  full  of  glory.'  I  have  now  had  so  many 
disappointments  in  life  that  my  hopes,  which  have  so  long 
lived  strong  that  I  should  see  much  brighter  days  in  it,  be- 
gin a  little  to  subside,  and  my  desu-e  is  more  entirely  to 
look  beyond  the  world  for  that  which  can  alone  satisfy  me ; 
and  not  to  have  my  heart  so  much  set  upon  the  things  of 
this  Ufa ;  or  even  on  those  persons  nearest  me ;  but  more 
set  upon  the  life  to  come,  and  upon  Him  who  is  faithful  and 
will  be  all  in  all  to  His  dependent  ones.  At  the  same  time 
I  desire  faithfully  to  perform  all  my  relative  duties ;  and 
may  my  heart  be  kept  in  tender  love  to  all  near  me. 

"  Upton,  Tenth  Month,  1\st. — Something  has  occurred 
which  has  brought  me  into  conflict  of  mind;  how  far  to 
restrain  young  persons  in  tLeir  pleasures,  and  how  far  to 
leave  them  at  libei  Ly.  The  longer  I  live  the  more  difficult 
do  I  see  education  to  be ;  more  particularly  as  it  respects 


BISINQ  UP  THE  MOUNTAINS. 


225 


the  religious  resti-aints  that  we  put  upon  our  children.  To 
do  enough  and  not  too  much  is  a  most  delicate  and  impor- 
tant point.  I  begin  seriously  to  doubt  whether  as  it  re- 
spects the  peculiar  scruples  of  Friends,  it  is  not  better  quite 
to  leave  sober-minded  young  persons  to  judge  for  them- 
selves. Then  the  question  aiises,  "When  does  this  age 
aiTive  ?  I  have  such  a  fear  that  in  so  much  mixing  religion 
with  those  things  which  are  not  delectable  we  may  turn 
them  from  the  thing  itself.  I  see,  feel,  and  know  that 
where  these  scruples  are  adopted  from  principle  they  bring 
a  blessing  with  them ;  but  where  they  ai'e  only  adopted  out 
of  conformity  to  the  views  of  others  I  have  very  serious 
doubts  whether  they  are  not  a  stumbling-block. 

"On  First-day  we  were  rather  suddenly  summoned  to 
Plashet  House  to  attend  Anna  Golder  (aunt  to  my  faithful 
Chrissy)  who  had  charge  of  the  house.  She  was  one  of  the 
lowly,  retired,  humble  walkers  before  the  Lord;  she  was 
suddenly  taken  very  ill,  and  died  in  half  an  hour  after  her 
niece  got  there.  It  was  appai'ently  a  departui-e  without 
sting  to  mind  or  body ;  as  far,  therefore,  as  it  respected  her, 
all  was  peace.  But  to  myself  it  was  different.  I  arrived 
there  after  dark,  drove  once  more  to  the  dear  old  place,— 
no  one  to  meet  me  but  the  poor  man  who  lived  in  the  house, 
no  dog  to  bark,  nor  any  life,  nor  sound,  as  used  to  bo. 
Death  seemed  over  the  place,  such  was  the  silence — until  I 
found  myself  upstahs  in  the  large  and  once  cheerful  and 
full  house.  When  I  entered  the  bed-room  there  lay  the 
corpse.  Circumstances  combined  to  touch  some  very  ten- 
der feelings,  and  the  inclination  of  my  heart  was  to  bow 
down  upon  my  knees  before  the  Lord,  thankful,  surely,  for 
the  release  of  the  valued  departed — but  deeply  and  affect- 
ingly  impressed  with  such  a  change! — that  once  hvely, 
cheerful  home  left  desolate — the  abode  of  death — and  two 
or  three  watchers.  It  brought,  as  my  visits  to  Plashet 
often  have  done,  the  hymn  to  my  mind, — 

'  Lord,  wliy  is  this  ?  I  trembling  cried  J ' 


226 


ELIZABETH  PR7 


Tnen  again  I  find  I  can  do  nothing  but  bow,  trust,  and  de- 
pend upon  that  Power  that  has,  I  believe,  thus  seen  meet 
to  visit  us  in  judgment,  as  well  as  in  mercy. 

"31st. — Since  I  last  wrote  I  have  been  called  to  another 
death-bed  scene;  our  old  and  valued  Koman  Catholic 
friends,  the  Pitchfords,  have  lost  their  eldest  son,  a  sweet, 
good  boy.  I  felt  di-awn  in  love,  I  trust  I  may  say  Christian 
love,  to  be  much  with  them  during  their  trial ;  I  felt  it 
right  to  leave  my  family  and  spend  Fu-st-day  evening  with 
them,  when  all  hope  of  the  child's  life  was  given  up.  I  had 
not  only  to  sympathize  with  them  in  their  deep  sorrow,  but 
to  pour  forth  my  prayer  in  then*  behalf.  The  next  day  I 
was  with  the  poor  child  when  he  died,  and  was  nearly  tho 
whole  day  devoted  to  them.  We  had  a  deeply  interesting 
time  after  his  death — my  dear  friends  themselves,  all  their 
children,  then*  mother,  sister  and  old  nurse.  My  mouth 
was  remai'kably  opened  in  prayer  and  praises,  indeed  all 
day  at  their  house  something  of  a  holy  influence  appeai-ed 
to  be  over  us :  a  fresh,  hving  proof  that  what  Gou  has 
cleansed  we  are  not  to  call  or  feel  common  or  unclean,  lb 
sm-ely  matters  not  by  what  name  we  call  ourselves,  or  what 
outward  means  we  may  think  right  to  use,  if  our  hearts  are 
but  influenced  by  the  love  of  Christ,  and  cleansed  by  His 
baptism,  and  strengthened  by  His  sphit  to  prove  our  faith 
by  love  and  good  works.  "With  ceremonies,  or  without 
ceremonies,  if  there  be  but  an  establishment  upon  the  Kock 
of  Ages,  all  will  be  well.  Although  I  am  of  opinion  the 
more  oiur  religion  is  pui'e,  simple,  and  devoid  of  these  out- 
ward forms,  the  better  and  safer  for  us,  at  the  same  time  I 
do  earnestly  desire  a  more  full  union  amongst  all  Chi-is- 
tians,  less  judging  one  another,  and  a  general  acknowledge- 
ment in  heait,  judgment,  and  word  of  the  universaUty  of 
the  love  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord." 

"  Amidst  Elizabeth  Fry's  numerous  avocations,  she  found 
time  to  select  a  passage  of  Scripture  for  every  day  in  the 
year.  She  endeavored  to  combine  in  it  that  which  is  'proiit- 


BISINO  CP  THE  MOUKTAma. 


227 


able  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction 
in  righteousness  ; '  and  in  a  little  preface  she  urged  the  im- 
portance of  so  seeking  to  appropriate  the  truths  contained 
in  it,  with  a  heart  uplifted,  that  the  blessed  Spuit  might  ap- 
ply the  word ;  and  concludes,  '  The  rapid  and  ceaseless  pass- 
ing away  of  the  days  and  weeks,  as  well  as  the  months  of 
the  year,  as  numbered  at  the  head  of  each  day's  text,  it  is 
hoped  may  prove  a  memento  of  the  speed  with  which  time 
is  hastening  on,  and  remind  the  reader  of  the  importance  of 
passing  it  as  a  preparation  for  eternity,  in  the  service  of 
God  and  for  the  benefit  of  mankind.'  As  soon  as  her  little 
work  was  finished  and  printed  she  began  its  distribution; 
many  thousands  of  copies  did  she  give  away,  being  amply 
supplied  from  the  stores  of  afiluence,  with  the  right  means 
of  dispersing  them.  Great  numbers  were  otherwise  circu- 
lated. Where  have  not  these  little  Text-books  penetrated, 
from  the  monarch's  gilded  hall  to  the  felon's  dungeon?" 

Among  the  numerous  instances  of  their  usefulness  which 
came  to  hght  the  following  is  related. 

"Two  or  three  years  after  their  publication  a  text-book 
bound  in  red  leather,  which  she  had  given  (c  a  little  grand- 
son, fell  out  of  his  pocket  at  the  Lynn  Mart,  where  he  had 
gone  to  visit  the  lions.  He  was  a  very  little  boy,  and  much 
disconcerted  at  the  loss  of  his  book  for  his  name  was  in  it, 
and  it  was  'the  gift  of  his  grandmother'  written  by  herself. 
The  transaction  was  almost  forgotten,  when,  nearxy  a  year 
afterwards,  Richard  Coxe,  the  clergyman  of  Watiingtou,  a 
parish  about  eight  miles  from  Lynn,  gave  the  following  his- 
tory of  the  lost  book.  He  had  been  sent  for  to  the  wile  of  a 
man  living  on  a  wild  common,  on  the  outskirts  of  his  parish, 
a  notorious  character,  between  poacher  and  rat-catcher.  The 
message  was  brought  to  the  clergyinan  by  the  medical  maa 
who  attended  her,  and  who,  after  describing  her  as  being 
most  strangely  altered,  added  '  you  will  find  the  lion  become 


228 


ELIZABETH  TRY. 


a  lamb,' — and  so  it  proved.  She  who  had  been  wild  and 
rough,  where  language  had  been  violent  and  her  conduct 
untamed,  lay  on  a  bed  of  exceeding  suffering,  humble,  pa- 
tient, and  resigned.. 

"  Her  child  had  picked  up  the  text-book  and  carried  it 
home  as  lawful  spoil.  Cmiositj',  or  some  feeling  put  into 
her  heart  by  Him  without  whom  a  sparrow  falleth  not  to 
the  ground,  had  induced  her  to  read  it ;  the  word  had  been 
blessed  to  her  and  her  understanding  opened  to  receive  the 
gospel  of  truth.  She  could  not  describe  the  process,  but 
the  results  were  there.  Sin  had  in  her  sight  become  hate- 
ful ;  blasphemy  was  no  longer  heard  from  her  lips.  She 
drew  from  under  her  pillow  her  '  precious  book,'  her  '  dear 
little  book,'  which  had  been  the  means  of  leading  her  soul 
to  Him  who  '  taketh  away  sin. '  She  soon  afterwards  died 
in  peace  and  joyful  hope." 

In  1830  Mrs.  Fry  paid  a  religious  visit  to  parts  of  Suffolk 
and  Norfolk  and  attended  the  Quarterly  Meeting  at  Ipswich. 
In  the  fall  of  the  same  year  she  went  to  Sussex  to  attend 
the  Quarterly  Meeting  there,  and  some  of  its  particular 
Meetings.    The  Yearly  Meeting  is  thus  described  *• 

"Sixth  Ifonth,  1th. — I  had  a  difficult  path  to  tread 
during  the  Yearly  Meeting.  I  did  not  of  course  receive 
Friends,  but  went,  as  I  was  kindly  asked  to  various  houses. 
I  could  not  but  at  times  naturally  feel  it,  after  having  for  so 
many  years,  delighted  to  entertain  my  friends  and  those 
whom  I  believe  to  be  disciples  of  Christ ;  and  now,  in  con- 
siderable degree,  to  be  deprived  of  it.  But  after  relating 
my  sorrows  I  must  say  that  through  the  tender  mercy  of 
my  God  I  have  many  blessings,  and  what  is  more,  at  times 
such  a  sweet  feeling  of  peace  that  I  am  enabled  to  hope  and 
trust  that  through  the  unbounded  and  unmerited  mercy  of 
God  in  Christ  Jesus,  my  husband,  my  children,  and  myself 


ElSma  UP  THE  MOUNTAINS.  ^  229 


will  eventually  be  made  partakers  of  that  salvation  which 
comes  by  Christ.  The  state  of  oiir  Society  as  it  appeared 
in  the  Yearly  Meeting,  was  satisfactory,  and  really  very  com- 
forting to  me ;  go  much  less  stress  laid  upon  little  things,  more 
upon  matters  of  great  importance ;  so  much  unity,  good- will, 
and  what  I  felt,  Christian  liberty  amongst  us — ^love  appeared 
truly  to  abound,  to  my  real  refreshment.  I  am  certainly  a 
thorough  Friend,  and  have  inexpressible  unity  with  the  prin- 
ciple, but  I  also  see  room  for  real  improvement  amongst  us ; 
may  it  take  place ;  I  want  to  see  less  love  of  money,  less 
judging  others,  less  tattling,  less  dependence  upon  external 
appearance.  I  want  to  see  more  fruit  of  the  Spuit  in  all 
things,  more  devotion  of  heart,  more  spirit  of  prayer,  more 
real  cultivation  of  mind,  more  enlargement  of  heai't  towards 
all ;  more  tenderness  towards  delinquents,  and  above  all, 
more  of  the  rest,  peace  and  liberty  of  the  children  of  God  I 

Among  the  frequent  testimonials  received  during  this 
period  was  a  letter  accompanied  by  an  elaborately  embroid- 
ered counterpane. 

"Liverpool,  Sixth  Month,  23rd,  1830. 
"The  Ladies  Committee  who  visit  the  House  of  Correc- 
tion at  Torkdale,  near  Liverpool.beg  Elizabeth  Fry's  accep- 
tance of  a  counterpane  worked  by  the  female  prisoners,  and 
trimmed  with  a  fringe  of  their  own  making.  This  memorial 
of  a  class  of  her  unhappy  fellow-creatures  so  eminently 
benefited  and  tenderly  felt  for  by  Elizabeth  Fry,  will,  the 
Committee  believe,  be  peculiarly  grateful  to  her,  as  well  aa 
being  a  proof  of  their  own  affectionate  regard. 

"Signed  on  behalf  of  the  Committee  by^ 
Kebecca  Charley.  Secretary^* 

From  Hamburg  she  received  an  application  that  "a  fe5pj 
of  her  likeness  might  be  engraved  for  an  Almanac  publiahecj 
by  Beyerink,  entitled,  "For  that  which  is  Beautiful  and 


230 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


Grood."  The  Almanac,  wlien  published  contained  this  pas- 
sage : 

"  1830. — Though  faithful  to  her  duty  as  a  wife  and 
mother,  into  the  night  of  the  prison  Elizabeth  Fry  brings 
the  radiance  of  love — brings  comfort  to  the  sufferers,  dries 
the  tear  of  repentance,  and  causes  a  ray  of  hope  to  descend 
into  the  heai't  of  the  sinner.  She  teaches  her  that  has 
strayed  again  to  find  the  path  of  vu-tue,  comes  as  an  angel 
of  God  unto  the  abode  of  crime,  and  preserves  for  Jesus' 
kingdom  that  ■^  hich  appeared  to  be  lost.  Is  not  this  in- 
deed what  may  be  called  loving  our  neighbor  more  than 
one's  self?" 

In  Sejptember  of  this  year  she  made  a  brie!  religious 
visit  in  Sussex  county. 

From  Brighton  she  addressed  a  letter  to  Queen  Adelaide 
expressing  her  "  desire  that,  for  the  good  of  the  community* 
she  might  promote  the  education  of  the  poor,  the  genefal 
distribution  of  the  Scriptures,  and  the  keeping  of  the  Sab- 
bath seriously,  by  discoui-aging  parties  &c.,  &c.,  on  that 
day  amongst  the  higher  ranks,  as  the  tendency  of  them  was 
very  injurious  to  the  lower  classes,  and  to  the  community 
at  lai-ge." 

At  this  fashionable  resort  several  of  the  higher  classes 
were  invited  to  attend  the  mid-week  meeting,  which  is  thus 
described : 

"  To  my  own  feelings,  a  remarkable  time  we  surely  had. 
It  appeared  as  if  we  were  overshadowed  by  the  love  and 
mercy  of  God  our  Saviour.  The  ministry  flowed  in  beauti- 
ful hai-mony.  I  deeply  felt  the  want  of  vocal  prayer  being 
offered,  but  I  did  not  see  it  my  place  upon  our  Meeting  as- 
eembling  together,  when,  to  my  inexpressible  relief,  a  friend 


BISING  UP  TBS  HOmHTAVXa. 


231 


powerfully  and  beautifully  offered  up  thanksgiving  and 
prayer,  •which  appeai'ed  to  rise  as  incense  and  as  an  accepta- 
ble sacrifice.  After  a  time  of  silence  I  rose  with  this  text : 
*  There  are  diversities  of  gifts,  but  the  same  spirit ;  differ- 
ences of  administration,  but  the  same  Lord;  diversities  ol 
operations,  but  it  is  the  same  God  who  worketh  all  in  all.' 
In  a  way  that  it  never  did  before  the  subject  opened  to  my 
view  whilst  speaking.  How  did  I  see  and  endeavor  to  ex- 
press the  lively  bond  of  union  existing  in  the  Christian 
church,  and  that  the  humbling,  tendering  influence  of  tht' 
love  and  power  of  Christ  must  lead  us  not  to  condemn  our 
neighbors  but  to  love  all.  I  had  to  end  the  Meeting  by 
praying  for  the  King,  Queen  and  all  their  subjects  every- 
where ;  for  the  advancement  of  that  day  when  the  knowl- 
edge of  God  and  His  glory  would  cover  the  earth,  as  the 
waters  cover  the  sea ;  for  those  countries  in  Europe  that  are 
in  a  disturbed  state,  and  that  these  shakings  might  event- 
ually be  for  good.  After  a  most  solemn  feeling  of  imion 
the  Meeting  broke  up." 

In  the  spring  of  1831  this  most  industrious  and  faithful 
messenger  of  love  made  a  visit  to  the  Quai-terly  Meeting  of 
Kent.    She  writes— 

"I  was  much  engaged,  from  Meeting  to  Meeting;  labored 
to  encourage  the  low,  the  poor  and  the  sorrowful ,  to  lead 
to  practical  religion,  and  to  shake  from  all  outward  depend- 
encies, and  to  show  that  our  principles  and  testimonies  of 
a  peculiar  nature  should  not  be  maintained  simply  as  a 
regulation  amongst  us,  but  unto  the  Lord,  and  in  deep 
humility,  in  the  true  Christian  spuit;  particularly  as  to 
tithes,  war,  &c.  I  felt  much  peace  afterwards,  and  in 
going  from  house  to  house,  breaking,  I  trust,  a  little  bread, 
spiritually,  and  giving  thanks.  It  appeared  very  seasona- 
ble, though  long  delayed,  as  I  have  had  it  on  my  mind 
many  months,  but  hitherto  have  been  prevented  by  various 


232 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


things ;  ypt  this  appeared  to  be  the  right  time ;  and  I  take 
the  lesson  home,  quietly  to  wait  for  the  openings  of  Provi- 
dence, particularly  in  all  religious  services,  and  not  to  at 
tempt  to  plan  them  too  much  mj^self. 

"The  kindi:ess  of  Friends  was  great,  and  I  received  much 
real  encouragement  from  them ;  some  from  the  humble 
ones  that  did  my  heart  good.  Indeed  I  cannot  but  acknowl- 
edge, in  humiliation  of  spirit,  however  any  may  reason  on 
these  things,  and  however  strange  that  women  should  be 
eeut  cut  to  preach  the  gosjjel,  yet  I  have,  in  these  services, 
partaken  of  joy  aud  peace  that  I  think  I  never  felt,  in  the 
same  degree,  in  any  other." 

''Fifth  Month,  litJi,  (1831).— About  three  weeks  ago  I 
paid  a  very  satisfactory  visit  to  the  Duchess  of  Kent  and 
her  very  pleasing  daughter,  the  Princess  Victoria.  William 
Allen  went  with  me.  We  took  some  books  on  the  subject 
of  slavery,  with  the  hope  of  influencing  the  young  Princess 
in  that  important  cause.  We  were  received  with  much 
kindness  and  cordiality,  and  I  felt  my  way  open  to  express 
not  only  my  desire  that  the  best  blessing  might  rest  upon 
them,  but  that  the  young  Princess  might  follow  the  exam- 
ple of  our  blessed  Lord,  that  as  she  'grew  in  stature  she 
might  grow  in  favor  with  God  and  man.'  I  also  ventured 
to  remind  her  of  King  Josiah  who  began  to  reign  at  eight 
years  old,  and  did  that  which  was  right  in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord,  tui'ning  neither  to  the  right  hand  nor  to  the  left — 
which  seemed  to  be  well  received.  Since  that  I  thought  it 
right  to  send  the  Duke  of  Gloucester  my  brother  Joseph's 
work  on  the  Sabbath,  and  a  ratber  serious  letter,  and  had  a 
very  valuable  answer  from  him,  fall  of  feeling.  I  have  an 
invitation  to  visit  the  Duchess  of  Gloucester  next  Eourth- 
day ;  may  good  result  to  them,  and  no  harm  to  myself ;  but 
I  feel  these  openings  rather  a  weighty  responsibility,  and 
desii-e  to  be  faithful,  not  forward.  I  had  long  felt  an  incli- 
nation to  see  the  young  Princess  and  to  endeavor  to  throw 
a  little  weight  in  the  right  scale,  seeing  the  very  importaxit 


RISING  UP  THE  MOUNTAINS. 


233 


place  that  she  is  likely  to  fill.  I  was  much  pleased  with  her, 
and  think  her  a  sweet,  lovely  and  hr peful  child,"  (ihen  12 
years  of  age.) 

"  Sixth  Month,  Zrd. — The  Yearly  Meeting  has  concluded 
this  week.  I  was  highly  comforted  by  the  good  spii-it  mani- 
fested in  it  by  numbers.  I  think  I  never  was  so  much  satis- 
fied with  the  ground  taken  by  Friends,  leading  us  to  main- 
tain what  we  consider  our  testimonies  upon  a  Scriptural 
and  Christian  ground,  rather  than  because  our  forefathers 
maintained  them.  My  opinion  is  that  nothing  is  so  likely 
to  cause  our  Society  to  remain  a  living  and  spiritual  body 
as  its  being  willing  to  stand  open  to  improvement;  because 
it  is  to  be  supposed  that  as  the  Church  generally  emerges 
out  of  the  dark  state  it  was  brought  into,  its  light  will  shiaa 
brighter  and  brighter,  and  we,  as  a  part  of  it,  shall  partake 
of  this  dispensation.  My  belief  is  that  neither  individuals, 
nor  collective  bodies  should  stand  still  in  grace,  but  their 
light  should  shine  brighter  unto  perfect  day." 

During  this  season  she  held  some  meetings  among  the 
lower  classes  around  Barking  and  Dagenham,  some  ten 
miles  east  of  London — where  she  spent  the  summer. 

'■^Eighth  3Ionth,  1st. — Last  evening  we  finished  our 
Public  Meetings  in  barns.  I  passed  a  humbling  night. 
Even  in  our  acts  of  obedience  and  devotion  how  evident  is 
the  mixture  of  infirmity,  (at  least  so  it  appears  to  me,)  and 
we  need  to  look  to  the  great  offering  for  sin  and  iniquity  to 
bear  even  these  transactions  for  us.  I  apprehend  that  all 
would  not  understand  me,  but  many  who  are  much  engaged 
in  what  we  call  works  of  righteousness  will  understand  the 
reason  that  in  the  Jewish  dispensation  there  was  an  offering 
made  '  for  the  iniquity  of  then-  holy  things.'  Humiliation 
is  my  portion,  though  I  may  also  say  peace,  in  thus  having 
given  up  to  a  service  much  against  my  inclination ;  and  I 
hope  thankfulness  for  the  measure  of  power  at  timea 
gvcinto  i  in  them. 


234 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


"  DagenJiam,  Eighth  Month,  2Ath. — Upon  my  return 
home  to  Dagenliam  this  day  week,  in  the  pony  chair,  with 
little  Edmund  Gurney,  there  was  a  severe  thunder-storm 
the  greater  part  of  the  way,  but  I  felt  quite  easy  to  perse- 
vere through  it.  But  when  I  arrived  at  the  Chequers  Inn 
I  thought  another  storm  was  coming  and  went  in.  We  had 
been  there  but  a  few  minutes  when  we  saw  a  bright  flash  of 
lightning,  followed  instantaneously  by  a  tremendous  clap 
of  thunder.  Upon  being  asked  if  I  was  alarmed  I  said  that 
I  certainly  was,  and  did  not  doubt  that  an  accident  had 
happened  near  to  us.  My  dear  husband  who  was  out  in 
the  tempest  arrived  safely,  but  in  a  few  minutes  a  young 
man  was  carried  in  dead,  struck  by  the  lightning  in  a 
field  close  at  hand.  I  felt  oui-  escape — yet  still  more  the 
awful  situation  of  the  young  man,  who  was  a  sad  charac- 
ter;  he  had  been  at  our  meeting  at  Beacontree  Heath. 
This  awful  event  produced  a  very  serious  efifect  in  the 
neighborhood ;  so  much  so  that  we  believed  it  right  to  in- 
vite all  the  relations  of  the  young  man,  (a  bad  set,)  and  the 
other  young  men  of  the  neighborhood  to  meet  us  in  the  lit- 
tle Methodist  Meeting  House  which  ended  in  one  more 
rather  large  Public  Meeting.  The  event  and  cu'cumstancea 
altogether  made  it  very  solemn :  it  appeared  to  set  a  seal  to 
what  had  passed  before,  in  our  other  meetings.  My  belief 
is  they  have  had  a  stirring  effect  in  this  neighborhood,  but 
they  have  been  very  humbling  to  me ;  the  whole  event  of 
this  young  man's  awful  death  has  much  confirmed  me  in 
the  belief  that  our  concern  was  a  right  one,  and  tended  to 
prepare  the  minds  of  the  people  to  profit  by  such  a  lesson. 
My  dear  brother  and  sister  Buxton  and  their  Pricilla  wera 
with  us  at  many  of  our  Meetings. 

"21th. — We  are  just  about  leavmg  this  place.  I  have 
endeavored  to  promote  the  moral  and  religious  good  of  the 
people  since  the  Meetings  by  establishing  libraries  of  tracts 
and  books  at  different  places,  and  ray  belief  is  that  my  hum- 
ble labors  have  not  been  in  vain,  nor  I  trust  will  they  be. 


RISING  UP  THE  MOUNTAINS. 


239 


I  have  felt  so  strikingly  tlie  manner  in  which  the  kindness 
and  love  of  the  neighborhood  has  been  shown  to  me,  after 
thus  publicly  preaching  amongst  them  ;  and  as  a  poor  frail 
woman,  advocating  boldly  the  cause  of  Christ,  I  expected 
rather  to  be  despised;  whereas,  it  is  apparently  just  the 
reverse, — the  clergyman  and  his  wife  almost  loading  us  with 
kindness,  the  farmers  and  their  wives  very  kind  and  atten- 
tive, the  poor  the  same.  I  felt  how  sweet  it  is  to  be  on 
good  terms  with  them  all — one  day  drinking  tea  at  the  par- 
sonage, abounding  with  plate,  elegancies  and  luxuries,  the 
next  day  at  a  humble  Methodist  shoemaker's,  they  having 
procui'ed  a  little  fresh  butter,  that  I  might  take  tea  under 
their  roof.  The  contrast  was  great,  but  I  can  indeed  se» 
the  same  kind  Lord  over  all,  rich  to  all,  and  filling  the 
hearts  of  His  servants  of  very  different  descriptions  with 
love  to  each  other," 

Elizabeth  Fry's  character,  and  the  effects  of  her  ministry 
are  beautifully  illustrated  in  the  following  extract  from  her 
journal  while  at  home  in  Upton  Lane. 

"  Twelfth  Month,  20iA. — I  am  once  more  favored,  after 
being  far  from  weU,  with  a  renewal  of  health  and  power  ta 
enter  my  usual  engagements,  public  and  private.  Tester- 
day  I  went  to  town, — first  attended  the  Newgate  Commit- 
tee, then  the  British  Society,  which  was  encouraging  to  me. 
There  were  many  present  of  different  denominations  of 
Christians,  and  a  sweet  feeling  of  love  and  unity  pervaded 
the  whole.  Elizabeth  Dudley  spoke  in  a  lively  manner,  and 
I  had  to  pray.  There  is  still  much  ground  for  encourage- 
ment in  the  prison  cause ;  I  believe  a  seed  is  sown  in  it  that 
will  grow  and  flourish,  I  trust  when  some  of  us  are  laid 
low.  It  is  a  work  that  brings  with  it  a  peculiar  feeling  of 
blessing  and  peace ;  may  the  Most  High  continue  to  prosper 
it !  Aftenvai'ds  I  went  to  Clapham  to  visit  a  poor,  dying, 
converted  Jew  who  had  sent  a  letter  to  beg  me  to  go  and 


•236 


ELIZABETB  FBT. 


Bee  him.  My  visit  was  highly  interesting.  I  often  wish 
for  the  pen  of  a  ready  writer  and  the  pencil  of  an  artist  to 
pictuie  some  of  the  scenes  that  I  am  brought  into.  A  man 
of  pleasing  countenance,  greatly  emaciated,  lying  on  a  little 
white  bed,  all  clean  and  in  order,  his  Bible  by  his  side,  and 
animated,  almost  beyond  description,  at  seeing  me.  He 
kissed  my  hand,  the  tears  came  into  his  eyes,  his  poor  face 
flushed,  and  he  was  ready  almost  to  raise  himself  out  of  his 
bed.  I  sat  down  and  tried  to  quiet  him,  and  by  degrees 
succeeded.  We  had  a  very  interesting  conversation.  He 
had  been  in  the  practice  of  frequently  attending  my  read- 
icgs  at  Newgate,  apparently  with  great  attention.  Latterly 
I  had  not  seen  him,  and  was  ready  to  suppose  that,  like 
many  others,  his  zeal  was  of  short  dui-ation;  but  I  had 
lately  heard  that  he  had  been  ill.  He  is  one  of  those  Jews 
who  have  felt  perfectly  liberated  from  keeping  any  part  of 
the  Law  of  Moses,  which  some  other  converted  Jews  yet 
consider  themselves  bound  to  observe.  I  found,  when  he 
used  to  come  so  often  to  Newgate  that  he  was  a  man  of 
good  moral  character,  seeking  the  truth.  But  to  go  on 
with  my  story.  In  our  conversation  he  said  that  he  felt 
great  peace,  no  fear  of  death,  and  a  full  reliance  upon  his 
Savioui-  for  salvation.  He  said  that  his  visits  to  Newgate 
had  been  to  him  beyond  going  to  any  church — indeed  I 
little  knew  how  much  was  going  on  in  his  heai't.  He  re- 
quested me  to  read  a  Psalm  that  I  had  read  one  day  ia 
Newgate,  the  107th.  This  I  did  and  he  appeared  deeply 
.to  feel  it,  particularly  as  my  dear  friends  and  I  made  our 
little  remarks  in  Christian  freedom  as  we  went  along,  truly, 
I  believe,  in  the  life.  The  poor  Jew  prayed  very  strikingly ; 
I  followed  him  and  returned  thanks.  TVTiat  a  solemn,  unit- 
ing time  it  was.  The  poor  Jew  said  '  God  is  a  Spirit  and 
they  that  worship  Him,  must  worship  in  spuit  and  ia 
truth,'  as  if  he  felt  the  spirituality  of  the  Christian  adminis- 
tration. His  countenance  lightened  with  apparent  joy  whea 
he  expressed  his  undoubted  belief  that  he  should  soon  enter 


BISING  UP  THE  M0UNTAIN3. 


237 


the  Kingdom,  and  that  I  should,  before  long,  follow  him. 
Then  he  gave  me  his  blessing  and  took  leave  in  much  ten. 
derness,  showing  every  mark  he  could  of  gratitude  and 
love.  He  did  not  accept  any  gift  of  money,  saying  that  he 
wanted  no  good  thing,  as  he  was  most  kindly  provided  for 
by  serious  persons  in  the  neighborhood.  After  about  two 
weeks  I  received  au  account  of  the  peaceful  end  of  this 
poor  Jew. 

"  First  Month,  Incl,  1S32. — I  think  I  have  seldom  entered 
a  year  with  more  feeling  of  weight  than  this.  As  the  clock 
was  striking  twelve,  the  last  year  closing  and  this  begin- 
ning,  I  found  myself  on  my  knees  by  my  bedside,  looking 
up  to  Him  who  had  caiiied  me  and  mine  through  the  last 
year,  and  could  only  really  be  our  Helper  in  this.  We  have- 
had  the  subject  of  marriage  much  before  us  this  last  year; 
it  has  brought  us  to  some  test  of  oar  feelings  and  princi- 
ples respecting  it.  That  it  is  highly  desu'able  and  impor- 
tant to  have  young  persons  settle  in  mamage,  particularly 
young  men,  I  cannot  doubt ;  and  that  it  is  ous  of  the  most- 
likely  means  of  theu*  preservation,  religiously,  morally  and 
temporally.  Moreover  it  is  highly  desirable  to  settle  witli 
one  of  the  same  religious  views,  habits  and  education  aj 
themselves;  more  particularly  for  those  who  have  beeu 
brought  up  as  Friends,  bscause  theu-  mode  of  eaucation  is 
peculiar.  But  if  any  young  persons,  upon  arriving  at  an 
age  of  discretion,  do  not  feel  themselves  really  altached  to 
our  peculiar  views  and  habits,  then  I  think  their  parents 
have  no  right  to  use  undue  influence  with  them,  as  to  ths 
connexions  they  may  incline  to  form  ;  provided  they  b9  witl^ 
persons  of  religious  lives  and  conversation.  I  am  ol'  opiu- 
iou  that  parents  ai-e  apt  to  exercise  too  much  authority  upon 
the  subject  of  marriage,  and  that  there  would  be  more  really 
bappy  unions,  if  young  persons  were  left  more  to  their  own 
fee.iugs  and  discretion.  Marriage  is  too  much  treated  like 
a  business  concern,  and  love,  that  essonliai  ingrtjdieut,  toO' 
little  respected  in  it.    I  disapprove  the  ru.e  of  our  fciooisty 


238 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


that  disowns  persons  for  allowing  a  child  to  marry  one  not 
a  Friend — it  is  a  most  undue  and  unchristian  restraint,  aa 
far  as  I  can  judge  of  it." 

The  regulations  of  the  Society  in  respect  to  marriages 
have  been  greatly  modified  since  that  time. 

In  1832  Mrs.  Fry  together  with  her  sister-in-law  of  the 
Bame  name  visited  the  Half- Year's  Meeting  in  Wales,  and 
Bome  places  in  Ireland,  with  the  usual  happy  reuslts. 

In  the  autumn  of  this  year  a  son  and  also  a  daughter 
were  married — both  out  of  the  Society — which  left  the  Httla 
band  at  Upton  Lane  much  i-educed.  Soon  afterward  with 
her  husband  and  two  remaining  daughters  she  visited  her 
eister  Mi*s.  Cunningham  at  Lowestoft.  The  latter  lady, 
wife  of  an  able  and  pious  clergyman,  gave  a  long  account  of 
this  visit,  from  which  I  cannot  forbear  making  u  few  ex- 
tracts showing  the  wonderful  charm  and  power  of  Eliza- 
beth Fry's  personality  on  all  who  could  appreciate  spiritual 
beauty., 

"  November,  22nd. — ^We  had  the  treat  and  great  advan- 
tage of  a  visit  from  oui-  dearest  sister.  She  was  encovu-aged 
to  come  and  assist  us  in  the  formation  of  our  District  Soci- 
ety which  in  this  large  place  we  find  to  be  essential  for  the 
right  working  of  the  parish.  "NVe  are  most  thankful  for  the 
assistance  of  our  dear  sister,  (our  brother  and  two  of  our 
nieces  accompauied  her)  it  is  almost  like  having  an  angel 
visitor,  so  full  of  loveliness  and  grace  is  she.  On  Sunday 
my  dearest  sister  being  at  Pakefield  with  the  Friends  in- 
duced my  remaining  all  day  there.  She  drank  tea  with  me 
at  the  Hawtreys.  Mr.  Hawtrey  and  she  had  some  animated 
and  delightful  conversation  before  we  went  down  to  the 
lecture  in  the  scliool-room ;  dearest  Betsey  accompanied  us, 
end  some  of  the  other  friends  joined  us.  After  the  usual 
singing  and  prayer  ilr.  Hawtrey  read  very  impressively 


BISINQ  TO  THE  MOUNTAINS. 


239 


the  latter  part  of  the  third  of  Ephesians ;  we  then  had  si- 
lence, after  -which  she  arose  and  beautifully  addressed  the 
meeting  on  the  necessity  of  domestic  and  private  religion, 
and  enlarged  a  good  deal  on  the  duty,  spirit  and  manner  in 
which  scripture  should  be  read  and  studied ;  it  would  not 
do  to  hear  it  only  in  public  service.  After  the  powerful 
outward  means  which  had  been  granted  to  the  people  of 
Pakefield  how  were  they  called  upon  to  examine  and  digest 
for  themselves  the  written  word  of  God.  Then  in  a  full  and 
beautiful  prayer  she  seemed  to  bring  the  blessing  of  Heaven 
upon  us.  I  hai'dly  know  any  scriptural  treat  so  great  as 
uniting  with  her  in  prai/erf  it  is  such  a  heavenly  song — so 
spiritual,  so  elevating,  enjoying  glimpses,  as  it  were,  of  the 
eternal  world.  Oh !  may  we  long  retain  the  power  and  the 
blessing  of  it ! 

"  On  Monday  we  were  all  in  movement,  in  preparation  for 
our  District  Society  Meeting  ;  this  was  held  at  our  house 
and  well  attended.  Our  dear  sister  displayed  much  of  her 
tact  and  power,  and  gave  iis  the  greatest  assistance.  How 
max'velously  gifted  she  is !  Through  her  influence  all  par- 
ties were  brought  together,  and  the  District  Society  begun 
under  the  most  favorable  auspices ;  the  town  was  divided 
and  every  arrangement  made  according  to  her  advice.  Our 
meeting  was  highly  satisfactory  and  promised  the  most 
favorable  results ;  every  one  seemed  Avilling  to  yield  to  her 
wisdom  and  eloquence.  What  a  power  of  communicating 
good  she  possesses !  what  a  faithful  steward  in  that  which 
is  committed  to  her ! 

"  Surely  these  times  do  leave  a  peculiar  savor  which  is 
not  to  be  forgotten ;  it  adds  to  the  precious  seasons  which 
ore  foretastes  of  Heaveu.  Her  mind  appears  to  me  in  more 
lively  exercise  and  more  gifted  than  ever ;  rich  both  in  grace 
and  gifts.  She  is  indeed  beloved  of  the  Lord,  and  dwells 
in  safety  by  Him.  .  .  Nothing  can  be  more  benevolent 
find  beautiful  tban  lier  spirit,  overflowing  with  love  and  teu- 
Oei  neis." 


240 


ELIZABETH  FRT. 


Leaving  this  sister,  they  visited  the  old  home  at  Earlham, 
and  went  thence  to  North  Kepps  Hall,  the  home  of  hei 
brother-in-law,  Thomas  Fowell  Buxton,  who  was  now  in 
the  midst  of  his  great  struggle  for  the  emancipation  of 
slaves  in  the  British  Colonies.  Her  warm  interest  and  sym- 
pathy in  his  heroic  eflforts  were  a  titncly  encouragement  as 
he  was  confronting  the  influence  of  a  selfish  Government  in 
the  House  of  Con.mons,  supported  witho.it  by  the  stirring 
eloquence  of  Wilberforce,  to  efifect  what  has  honored  Eng- 
land more  than  any  other  national  act. 

In  1833  Mrs.  Fry  spent  several  months  at  a  quiet  retreat 
in  the  island  of  Jersey,  with  her  family,  in  order  to  rest  and 
recruit  her  health.  She  enjoyed  the  retirement  as  only 
those  can  do  who  have  accomplished  their  appointed  tasks. 
But  idleness  was  not  rest  to  a  spirit  like  hers.  The  hand 
and  heart  did  not  forget  their  congenial  employment.  It 
was  her  meat  and  drink  to  do  the  will  of  Him  that  sent  her. 
When  the  happy  party  went  out  for  a  picnic,  or  to  spend 
the  day  amongst  the  secluded  and  romantic  bays  of  the  is- 
land, "  the  tract  bag  was  not  forgotten — whilst  the  rest  of 
the  party  were  sketching  or  walking,  she  would  visit  the 
cottagers,  and,  making  herself  as  well  understood  as  their 
antique  Norman  dialect  permitted,  would  give  her  little 
French  books  and  offer  the  kind  word  of  sympathy  or  ex- 
hortation." At  first  she  held  meetings  in  private  houses 
with  poor  accommodations,  but  at  length  a  room  was  fitted 
up  in  the  town  and  large  congregations  assembled,  includ- 
ing many  of  the  gentry  and  principal  inhabitants.  "  Phil^ 
anthropic  objects  also  presented  themselves  to  her  notice,, 
especially  the  state  of  the  Hospital,  including  the  Work- 
house and  Lunatic  Asylum,  and  the  Prison." 


RISING  Vt  THE  MOUNTAINS. 


241 


"  Eighth  Month,  12th. — We  feel  much  at  home  in  this 
lovely  island,  and  in  rather  a  remarkable  manner  our  way 
opens  in  the  hearts  of  those  amongst  whom  we  are  residing. 
A  very  extensive  field  of  service  appears  before  us,  in  many 
ways.  To  try  thoroughly  to  attend  to  the  prisoners,  to 
strive  to  correct  the  evils  in  the  Hospital,  to  assist  in  various 
ways  the  Friends  and  those  who  attend  Meeting,  to  visit 
several  in  Christian  love  and  try  to  draw  them  nearer  to- 
gether— oh !  gracious  Lord,  grant  Thy  poor  unworthy  ser- 
vant the  help  of  Thy  Spuit,  to  do  Thy  will,  and  let  not  her 
labor  be  iu  vain  in  Thee,  her  Lord  and  her  God!  but 
thi-ough  Thy  unmerited  mercy  in  Christ  Jesus  grant  that 
her  way  may  be  made  very  clear  before  her,  and  ability 
given  her  to  walk  in  it  to  Thy  praise,  her  own  peace,  and 
the  real  edification  of  those  among  whom  her  lot  may  be 
cast.    Amen ! 

Jersey,  Ninth  Month,  IQth. — I  have  much  enjoyed  and 
valued  the  pleasant  retreat  we  have  here.  I  desire,  in  deep 
gratitude,  to  acknowledge  the  renewed  capacity  to  delight 
in  the  wonderful  works  of  God.  The  scenery,  and  feeling 
fully  at  liberty  to  spend  part  of  many  days  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  this  beautiful  country  and  weather,  and  my  beloved 
husband  and  children,  has  been  very  sweet  to  me !  "What 
has  not  religion  been  to  me?  How  wonderful  in  its  opsrar 
tion?  None  but  Him  who  knows  the  heart  can  tall. 
Surely  it  has  brought  me  into  some  deep  humiliations;  bul 
how  has  it  raised  me  up,  healed  my  at  time.'j  wounded  spirit, 
given  me  power  to  enjoy  my  blessings,  in  vvhat  I  believe  au 
unusual  degree,  and  wonderfully  sustained  me  under  deep 
tribulations!  To  me  it  is  anything  but  bonJage,  since  it 
has  brought  me  into  a  delightful  freedom  ;  although  I  had 
narrow  places  to  pass  through  before  my  boLiutlaries  were 
thus  enlarged ;  so  that  from  experience  I  wish  to  ba  very 
tender  over  those  still  in  bonds." 

In  the  spring  of  1834  she  made  a  brief  religious  visii  in 


242 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


Dorset  and  Hants,  accompanied  by  two  of  her  nieces,  one 
of  whom,  the  daughter  of  Sir  Fowell  Buxton,  made  the  fol« 
lowing  statements,  illustrative  of  Elizabeth  Fry's  charactei 
and  methods  of  doing  good. 

"There  was  no  weakness  or  trouble  of  mind  or  body 
which  might  not  safe-y  be  unveiled  to  her.  Wliatever 
vai'icus  or  opposite  views,  feeL'ngs  or  wishes  might  be  con- 
fided to  her,  all  came  out  again,  tinged  with  her  own  loving, 
hopeful  spiiit.  Bitterness  of  every  kind  died  when  en- 
trusted to  her ;  it  never  re-appeai"ed.  The  most  favorable 
construction  possible  was  always  put  upon  every  transac- 
tion. No  doubt  her  failing  lay  this  way ;  but  did  it  not 
give  her  and  her  example  a  wonderful  influence  ?  Was  it 
not  the  very  secret  of  her  power  with  the  wretched  and  de- 
graded prisoners?  She  always  could  see  hope  for  every 
one;  she  invariably  found,  or  made,  some  point  of  light. 
The  most  abandoned  must  have  felt  that  she  did  not  despair 
for  them,  either  for  this  world,  or  another,  and  this  it  was 
that  made  her  irresistible. 

"  At  Southampton  time  and  opportunity  were  rather  un- 
expectedly afforded  for  an  excursion  to  the  Isle  of  Wight. 
I  think  she  undertook  it  chiefly  for  the  sake  of  pleasing 
Priscilla  Gurney  and  myself ;  but  it  had  important  conse- 
quences. We  traveled  round  by  Shankiin,  Bonchurch  and 
Undercliff.  She  was  zealous  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  scen- 
ery and  the  wild  flowers ;  but  the  next  day,  on  reaching 
Freshwater,  she  was  fatigued  and  remained  to  rest,  whilst 
we  went  to  see  Alum  Bay.  On  our  return  we  were  told  she 
had  walked  out,  and  we  soon  received  a  message  desiiing  us 
to  join  her  at  the  Coast  Guard  Station.  We  found  her  in 
her  element,  pleased  and  giving  pleasure  to  a  large  group 
who  were  assembled  around  her.  She  entered  with  tha 
greatest  sympathy  into  their  somewhat  dreary  position,  in- 
quired into  then-  resources  for  education  for  their  children, 
and  religious  improvement  for  themselves — found  them 


EISING  UP  THE  M0UNTAIK3. 


243 


much  in  want  of  books  ;  and  from  this  visit  originated  that 
gieat  undertaking-  of  providing  libraries  for  all  the  Coast 
Guai'd  Stations  in  Great  Britain — an  undertaking  full  of 
difflculties,  but  in  which  her  perseverance  never  relaxed  till 
it  was  accomplished.'' 

This  is  perhaps  a  suitable  place  to  mention  the  work  of 
Christian  iphilanthropy  above  referred  to,  which  consisted 
in  furnishing  the  five  hundred  Coast  Guard  Stations  of 
Great  Britain  with  libraries  of  suitable  reading  for  the  men 
and  their  families.  That  such  a  task  required,  not  only 
great  labor  and  perseverance,  but  a  large  outlay  of  personal 
influence  for  its  successful  accomplishment,  is  obvious. 
The  results  are  concisely  stated  in  the  Report  of  the  Com- 
mittee acting  under  the  sanction  of  the  Government  for 
carrying  out  the  object-    It  is  as  follows : — 

"The  Committee  acting  under  the  sanction  of  His  Ma- 
jesty's Government  for  furnishing  the  Coast  Guard  of  the 
United  Kingdom  with  libraries  of  religious  and  instructive 
books  and  also  with  school  books  for  the  families  of  the 
men  employed  in  that  service,  having,  by  the  blessing  of 
Divine  Providence  completed  that  object,  it  becomes  their 
pleasing  duty  to  lay  before  the  subscribers  a  Eeport  of  their 
proceedings. 

"  In  the  commencement  of  this  duty  it  is  proper  grate- 
fully to  acknowledge  that  the  idea  of  furnishing  these  libra- 
ries first  suggested  itself  to  the  benevolent  mind  of  Mrs. 
Fry,  whose  active  and  charitable  exertions,  on  all  occasions 
affecting  the  benefit  of  mankind,  are  too  well  known  and  too 
highly  estimated  to  need  further  remark  on  the  present  oc- 
casion, and  who,  having  previously  succeeded  in  inducing 
His  Majesty's  Government  lo  establish  libraries  for  the  use 
of  the  patients  in  the  naval  hospitals,  was  induced  by  the 
obseivations  she  had  made  on  the  subject,  to  endeavor  to 


244 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


extend  the  same  beneficial  measure  to  the  Coast  Guard  Ser- 
vice, and  after  several  unsuccessful  efforts  arising  from  the 
expense  which  it  would  occasion,  a  sum  of  500  pounds  was 
obtained  in  1835,  from  the  First  Lord  of  the  Treasui-y  (Sii 
Robert  Peel)  for  this  purpose,  which  munificent  donation 
has  since  been  followed  by  subsciptions  from  charitable  in- 
dividuals, and  grants  from  several  book  societies,  but  as  the 
whole  of  these  funds  were  not  sufficient  to  meet  the  object  in 
view,  the  present  Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer  (j\Ir.  Spring 
Kice)  kindly  granted  two  further  sums  amounting  together 
to  460  pounds  to  effect  its  completion. 

"The  means  thus  so  liberally  afforded  have  enabled  the 
committee  to  provide  and  forward  to  the  coast, — 

498  libraries  for  Stations  on  shore,  containing  25,896  vol 3 
74   Ditto        Districts  12,880  " 

48    Ditto        Cruisers  1,867  " 

School  books  for  the  children  of  crews  of  Stations  6,464  " 
Pamphlets,  Tracts,  &c.,  6,357  Id  uoa 

Making  a  total  of      52,464  vols. 

and  thereby  to  fm'nish  a  body  of  deserving  and  useful  men 
and  their  wives  and  families,  (amounting  to  upwards  of 
21,000  persons,)  with  the  means  of  moral  and  religious  in- 
struction, as  well  as  profitable  amusement,  most  of  whom, 
from  theu'  situation  in  life,  have  not  the  means  of  procuring 
such  benefits  from  theu"  own  resources,  and  who  in  many 
instances,  are  so  far  removed  from  places  of  public  worship 
and  schools  as  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  themselves  or 
their  families  deriving  advantage  from  either." 

Mrs.  Fry's  only  note  on  the  journey  last  referred  to  is  as 
follows : — 

"  Upton,  Fourth  3Ionth. — At  Portsmouth  we  paid  an  in- 
teresting visit  to  Easier  Hospital,  the  Hulks  Hospital  Ship, 


EISING  UP  THE  MOUNTAINS. 


245 


and  some  prisons ;  we  also  paid  a  delightful  little  visit  to 
the  Isle  of  Wight.  I  felt  more  able  to  enjoy  the  great 
beauties  of  nature,  from  having  been  owned  by  my  Lord 
and  Master  in  my  religious  services.  What  a  relish  does 
true  religion  give  for  our  temporal  as  well  as  spiritual  bless- 
ings !  I  have  still  much  to  feel  respecting  the  offer  of  mar- 
riage made  to  my  dear  L  .    It  is  a  very  serious  thing, 

my  childi-en  thus  leaving  Friends ;  and  I  have  my  great  fears 
that  in  so  doing  they  are  leaving  that  which  v/ould  ba  a 
blessing  and  preservation  to  them.  At  the  same  time  I  see 
there  is  no  respect  of  persons  with  God ;  nor  in  reality  is 
there  the  difference  some  would  make  out  of  the  different 
administrations  of  religion,  if  there  be  but  a  true,  sincere 
love  of  our  Lord,  and  endeavor  to  serve  Him.  What  i3 
above  all  to  me  I  have  felt  peace  in  it  rather  peculiarly : 
still  we  at  present  are  exceedingly  feeling  the  weight  of  the 
affairs.  It  is  also  a  considerable  pain  to  me  to  go  through 
the  discij^line  of  the  Society  respecting  it — but  in  bearing 
it  patiently  and  humbly  I  may  in  that  way  be  enabled  to 
preach  Christ.  Lord,  be  it  so — Help  me  Thyself  through 
all  these  rather  intricate  paths,  and  make  a  way  for  Thy 
servant  in  all  these  things;  that  she  may  do  right  in  Thy 
sight,  and  not  offend  even  the  weakest  of  her  brethren  and 
sisters  in  religious  connection  with  herself — help,  Lord,  or 
we  perish ! 

"  21st. — Yesterday  (First-day)  I  attended  Meeting  rather 
oppressed  in  body  and  mind.  Ministered  to  by  dear  Eliza- 
beth Dudley,  but  had  such  heaviness  of  body  as  to  hinder 
spiritual  revival.  In  the  afternoon  I  went,  accompanied 
by  Elizabeth  Dudley,  Rebecca  Sturges,  and  some  others,  to 
visit  the  female  convict  ship  ;  the  sun  shone  brightly,  the 
day  delightful,  the  poor  women  rejoiced  to  s^e  us,  but  my 
spirit  was  in  heaviness  from  the  difSculty  of  leaving  my 
family,  even  for  a  few  hours  on  that  day.  It  was  a  fine  sight 
to  see  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  poor  female  convicts,  and 
some  sailors,  standing,  sitting  and  leaning  round  us,  whilst 


246 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


we  read  the  Scriptures  to  them.  I  spoke  to  them  and  Eliziv- 
beth  Dudley  prayed.  Surely  to  witness  the  solemn  effect, 
the  tears  rolling  down  many  cheeks,  we  must  acknowledge 
it  to  be  the  Lord's  doing.  Still  I  fell  flat,  though  the  others 
thought  it  a  very  satisfactory  time ;  but  in  the  evening  I 
became  more  revived,  and  comforted,  and  thankful  that  it 
has  pleased  the  Lord  to  send  me  to  the  poor  outcasts,  al- 
though at  times  feeling  as  if  I  went  more  as  a  machine 
moved  by  springs,  than  in  the  lively  state  I  desu-e ;  but  at 
other  times  it  is  different,  and  there  is  much  sense  of  li"e, 
light,  love  and  power.  To-day  I  expect  to  go  to  the  Duch- 
ess of  Gloucester,  and  amongst  some  of  the  high  in  this  lilie. 
May  the  Lord  be  with  me  that  my  intercourse  with  these 
may  not  be  in  vain  in  Him.  I  feel  it  no  light  responsibility 
having  the  door  so  open  with  the  Government  of  our  coun- 
try, and  those  filling  high  p]aces  ;  I  am  often  surprised  to 
find  how  much  so ;  and  yet  the  Lord  only  knows  the  depth 
of  my  humiliations,  and  how  it  has  been  out  of  the  depths 
that  I  have  been  raised  up  for  these  services.  At  the  Ad- 
miralty I  have  lately  had  important  requests  granted;  at 
the  Home  Office  they  are  always  ready  to  attend  to  what  I 
ask;  and  at  the  Colonial  Office  I  expect  that  they  will  soon 
make  some  alterations  in  the  ai-rangements  for  the  female 
convicts  hx  New  South  Wales. 

"\Yho  has  thus  tm-ned  the  hearts  of  those  in  authority? 
Siu'ely  it  is  the  Lord.  May  He  grant  me  wisdom  and  sound 
discretion  rightly  to  use  the  influence  He  has  given  me. 
Be  near  to  Thy  servant,  this  day,  gracious  Lord,  in  every 
place  ;  and  so  help  her  by  Thy  Spirit  that  she  may  do  Thy 
will,  and  not  bow  to  man,  but  alo7ie  to  Thee,  her  God;  doing 
all  to  Thy  glory.  We  made  several  other  calls  and  dined  at 
my  Brother  Buxton's  where  we  met  some  gentlemen.  I 
felt,  as  I  mostly  do  after  such  days,  fearful  and  anxious, 
lest  I  had  done  any  discredit  to  the  vocation  wherewith  I 
am  called ;  or  in  any  degree,  in  my  own  heart  or  conduct  to- 
wards God,  done  amiss.    It  cause  A  me  rather  a  watchful 


EISING  UP  THE  MOUNTAINS. 


241 


fearful  niglit.  I  see  it  much  easier,  and  in  many  respects 
Eafer,  in  the  religious  life  to  be  quiet,  and  much  at  home ; 
yet  I  a'so  feel  that  in  a  more  general  association  there  are 
great  advantages — enlarging  our  spiritual  borders  and  re- 
moving cur  prejudices ;  and  if  we  are  really  enabled  to 
stand  our  ground  as  Christians,  in  the  meekness  of  wisdom, 
and  so  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  it  may  be  the 
means  of  promoting  the  good  of  others. 

"24i/;. — "We  dined  at  Lord  Bexley's  and  met  Captain 
Mangles  the  great  traveler,  several  clerg-yman,  and  others. 
I  desired  to  maintain  the  watch,  but  the  company  of  serious, 
intellectual  and  refined  persons  is  apt  to  draw  me  a  good 
deal  forth  in  conversation  and  mind,  and  often  leads  me  to 
many  fears  afterwards,  lest  there  should  imperceptibly  be 
anything  of  showing  off,  and  being  exalted  by  man ;  but  I 
may  tru'.y  say,  inwardly  I  mostly  feel  reduced  and  humbled 
after  such  times,  and  fearful  lest  I  should  have  a  cloud  over 
me  so  as  to  hinder  my  near  communion  with  my  Lord. 

"A  few  words  in  the  Proverbs  rather  encoiu'aged  me: 
•  Reproofs  of  instruction  are  the  way  of  life.'  I  see  it  well  to 
be  reproved;  may  I  proiit  by  it.  I  often  fear  for  myself 
lest  I  am  forsaking  my  first  love,  or  becoming  lax,  becausa 
I  certainly  feel  far  more  hberty  than  I  used  to  do  in  uniting 
with  others  in  their  prayers,  grace,  &c.,  &c.,  and  less  in 
bonds  generally :  in  short  my  borders  are  greatly  enlarged. 
May  this  arise  not  from  my  love  becoming  cold,  bat  from 
experiencing  the  service  of  my  Lord  to  be  akeady  to  me 
perfect  freedom.  Oh  dearest  Lord !  make  manifest  in  Thy 
own  light,  if  this  be  in  me  laxity,  that  I  may  be  reproved, 
and  amend  my  ways ;  if,  on  the  contrary,  it  be  the  liberty 
wherewith  Thou  hast  made  me  free,  cause  me  in  Thine  own 
power  firmly  and  fixedly  to  stand  in  it,  even  if  some  of  my 
fellow-mortals  v/hom  I  love  and  esteem  appear  to  remain 
under  a  different  dispensation. 

"A  few  days  ago  I  visited  Plashet:  it  was  almost  too 
much  for  my  natural  sphits.    When  I  saw  our  weedy  walks 


24S 


ELIZABETH  FB7. 


that  once  were  made  and  kept  so  neatly — our  summer- 
houses  falling  down — our  beautiful  wild  flowers  that  I  had 
cultivated  with  so  much  care,  and  no  one  to  admire  them — 
the  place  that  had  cost  us  so  much,  and  been  at  times  so 
enjoyed  by  us,  the  birth-place  of  so  many  of  my  children, 
the  scene  of  so  many  deep  and  near  interests — the  tears 
trickled  down  my  face,  and  I  felt  ready  to  enumerate  my 
sorrows  and  say,  'Why  is  this?'  But  I  felt  the  check 
within  and  desired  and  endeavored  to  look  on  the  bright 
side  Oi  the  picture,  and  acknowledge  the  tender  and  unmer- 
ited mercy  of  my  God  in  Christ  Jesus.  Mine  has  been,  I 
fully  believe,  a  very  unusual  course  in  many  pai'ticulars ;  in 
some  things  known,  in  some  hid  Ten  from  the  eye  of  man. 
Oh !  may  all  end  in  good  and  blessing.* 

"  Fifth  Month,  bth. — Yesterday  was  the  Sabbath.  I  can 
hardly  say  how  deeply  I  feel  these  days  as  they  come :  first 
as  it  respects  the  ministry  of  the  Word.  Its  wholly  resting 
on  two  or  three  women  in  our  rather  large  assembly  is  an 
exercise  of  my  faith,  and  a  real  ti'ial  to  my  natural  feelings. 
Then  to  believe,  as  I  do,  that  some  of  our  congregations 
are  in  an  unregenerate  state ;  how  must  thek  silent  meet- 
ings be  passed? — and  for  the  babes  in  Christ  I  have  great 
fears,  inasmuch  as  true,  solemn,  silent  worship  is  a  very 
high  administration  of  spiritual  worship.  I  frequently  fear 
for  such  that  more  external  aid  is  wanted,  though  I  see  not 
how  it  is  to  be  given.  I  also  feel  the  want  of  each 
one  openly  uniting  in  some  external  act  of  worship ;  for 
there  is  much  in  taking  an  absolute  part  in  what  is  doing, 

*  I  might  here  state  that  I  have  recently  been  informed  hy  one  well 
acquainted  with  all  the  circumstances,  that  the  loss  of  their  property 
is  believed  to  have  been  blessed  to  Joseph  Fry,  who  after  several 
years  of  separation  from  the  Society  of  Fi'iends  was  again  united  ia 
fellowship  with  them,  to  the  great  satisfaction  of  his  most  patient  and 
loving  wife,  who  could  thus  finally  see  the  hand  of  her  Lord  in  subdu* 
Ing  the  natural  growth  of  vine,  that  the  better  frnif  of  the  spirit 
night  be  brought  foitl). 


BISIKO  UP  THE  MOUNTAINS. 


to  feel  a  full  interest  in  it ;  but  I  see  not  with  our  views  (in 
which  I  unite)  how  this  can  be  remedied.  Then  for  myself 
as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel  I  desire  to  be  very  faithfu],  and 
give  the  portion  of  meat  in  due  season  to  the  household; 
but  even  here  deep  humiliation  is  my  portion,  in  its  appear- 
ing that  though  I  preach  to  others  I  cannot  manage  my 
own  ;  my  children,  one  after  another,  leaving  a  Society  and 
principles  that  I  love,  value,  and  try  to  build  up.  My  Loid 
only  knows  the  exercise  of  my  spirit  on  those  days.  Then 
for  my  home  houi-s :  not  having  space  as  we  had  at  Plashet, 
in  which  my  boys  can  recreate  in  the  way  I  consider  advisa- 
ble during  a  part  of  this  day,  now  I  hare  anxiously  to  watch 
where  they  go,  and  what  they  are  about,  so  that  I  am  not 
often  favored  to  know  the  Sabbath  a  delight,  or  day  of  rest. 
Yet  through  all  these  things,  and  my  too  anxious  nature 
help  is  wonderf  ally  granted  to  me :  I  find  the  spring  within 
that  helps,  keeps,  revives,  sustains,  and  heals ;  but  I  feel 
that  I  am  bound  to  seek  and  to  pray  not  to  be  so  exquisitely 
anxious." 

The  above  is  a  very  suggestive  passage,  showing  the 
gradual  expansion  of  a  broad  and  liberal  mind,  under  the 
influence  of  free  association  with  other  enlightened  minds, 
toward  the  perfect  freedom  which  we  have  in  Christ  to 
adapt  oiu"  principles  and  practices  to  the  existing  wants  of 
society.  It  is  a  very  great  pity  that  the  Society  of  Friends 
so  utterly  failed  to  recognize  this  practical  law  of  expe- 
diency, though  it  is  abundantly  illustrated  in  the  Bible  and 
elsewhere  as  God's  method  of  education  and  government 
for  a  progressive  state.  The  effects  of  this  narrowness  of 
conception  in  matters  of  doctrine,  and  its  contrast  with  a 
spirit  which  was  becoming  more  and  more  catholic  through 
enlarged  sympathy  and  acquaintance  with  humanity,  are 
fui'ther  exhibited  in  the  next  entry  of  this  richly  instructive 


250 


ELIZABETH  FBV. 


Journal;  and  yet  it  will  be  seen  fromits>  last  sentence  that 
she  was  herself  but  just  emerging  from  the  entangling  tradi- 
tions of  a  puritanical  age.  To  an  enlightened  mind  at  the 
present  time  it  seems  an  absurdity  that  a  Christian  should 
be  excommunicated  for  marrying  a  person  of  a  somewhat 
different  persuasion. 

"  Sixth  Month,  IQth. — Since  I  last  wrote  I  have  got 
through  the  Yearly  Meeting,  which  I  attended  nearly 
throughout.  There  appeared  to  be  much  more  love  and 
unity  than  last  year  ;  stUl  it  is  a  shaking  time,  and  some  of 
the  Leaders  of  our  Tribes  think  they  differ  in  some  points 
of  doctrine  * ;  but  I  believe  it  is  more  in  word  than  in 
reality;  and  as  they  love  the  Lord  Jesus,  if  they  have  wan 
dared  a  little  they  will  be  brought  back.  I  was  a  good  deal 
engaged,  having  to  take  a  quiet  view,  neither  on  one  side 
nor  the  other,  but  seeing  the  good  of  both.  But  I  have  a 
very  great  fear  of  ever  being  too  forward,  a  thing  I  very 
much  dislike  and  disapprove.  May  my  Lord  preserve  me 
from  it. 

"  I  was  favored  to  get  well  through  the  British  Society 
Meeting,  and  could  but  return  thanks  that  our  Holy  Head 

had  so  blessed  this  work. — With  respect  to  my  dear  L  ''s 

engagement  of  mariiage  I  have  apprehended  that  the  hand 
of  the  Lord  is  in  it ;  and  oh !  saith  my  soul,  may  it  prove 
so.  The  pain  of  her  leaving  our  Society,  and  the  steps  at- 
tending it  have  begun,  to  the  wounding  of  my  spirit ;  for 
though  I  do  not  set  much  value  on  outward  membership  in 
any  visible  church,  yet  it  has  its  pains,  at  times  great  pains, 
to  me,  and  I  am  ready  to  say  in  my  heart,  ilow  is  it? 
When  I  have  one  tii'ter  another  of  my  iamiiy  thus  brought 
before  our  Meeting,  it  has  its  trials  and  humiliations.  It 
would  be  to  me  a  pleasanter,  and  I  think  &  more  satisfac- 

*  This  was  a  wave  from  tho  conllict  which  caused  the  division  of 
f  rieuii.s  iu  America,  iu  1827-3. 


RISING  UP  THE  MOUNTAINS. 


tory  thing,  if  the  discipline  of  our  Society  had  not  so  much 
of  the  inquisitorial  in  it,  and  did  not  interfere  in  some 
things  that  I  believe  no  religious  body  has  aright  to  ta^ie  a 
part  in ;  it  leads  I  think  to  undesirable  results.  Thougli  I 
approve  persons  being  disowned  f  r  mairyuig  out  of  our 
Society,  I  had  rather  the  act  of  maiTiage  in  itself  forfeited 
membership."   

"  Upton,  Seventh  Month  25th. — To-morrow  I  expect  ta 
Bet  oft'  on  a  journey  to  Scotland.  I  have  taken  an  affecting 
leave  of  my  family,  praying  that  we  might  again  (if  the  will 
of  God)  be  refreshed  together;  and  my  way  was  satisfac- 
torily opened  to  go. 

"^y  Loch  Fay,  Eighth  Month,  9th,  First-day. — ^Not 
having  a  Meeting  to  go  to,  and  not  believing  it  right  for 
me  to  attend  any  other  place  of  worship,  I  desire  to  spend 
a  time  in  solemn  searching  of  heart  before  the  Lord ;  and 
may  I  be  enabled  to  hold  communion  with  Him  in  spuit» 
On  the  morning  of  the  1st,  the  day  appointed  for  the  libera- 
tion of  all  the  slaves  in  the  British  domin'ons,  (August  ist. 
1834)  and  on  which  my  deai*  niece,  Priscilla  Buxton  was  to 
be  married,  I  poured  forth  my  soul  in  deep  supplication 
before  my  Heavenly  Father,  on  behalf  of  the  poor  slaves, 
that  a  quiet  spirit  might  be  granted  them — that  their  spiV' 
itual  bonds  might  also  be  broken — that  the  liberty  prepared 
for  the  children  of  God  might  be  their  portion.  I  also 
prayed  for  my  beloved  niece  and  her  companion  in  life,  that 
the  Lord  would  be  with  them,  keep  them,  and  bless  them. 

Edinburgh,  Eighth  Month,  2Sth. — I  left  my  dearest 
husband  and  two  daughters  in  the  Highlands,  as  I  wished 
to  accompany  my  boy  on  his  way  to  England,  and  above  all 
to  attend  the  Meetings,  see  the  Friends  and  visit  the  prisoij 
here."    .    .  . 

Of  her  engagements  at  Edinbui-gh  she  writes  : 

"I  had  much  to  be  thankful  for  iu  the  help  granted  to- 


252 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


me  in  such  religious  services  as  I  believe  I  was  called  into, 
in  Meetings,  families,  and  Institutions.  I  had  very  solemn 
religious  times  in  the  Gaol  and  large  Eefuge,  also  shorter 
ones  in  the  Bridewell  and  another  Eefuge.  The  hearts  of 
many  appeared  to  be  peculiarly  opened  to  me,  and  entire 
strangers  wonderfully  ministered  to  my  wants  and  upheld 
my  hands,  particularly  the  Mackenzie  family.  Our  dear 
friends  who  knew  me  before  were  abundantly  kind  to  me. 
May  the  Lord  in  His  love  and  mercy,  reward  them  for  their 
great  kindness  to  me,  His  very  unworthy  servant,  and  may 
He  still  soften  and  enlarge  their  hearts  towards  me  until  the 
^ork  that  He  gives  me  to  do  amongst  them  be  accomplished. 
I  find  a  field  for  much  important  service  for  the  poor,  and 
to  make  more  arrangements,  for  the  ladies  who  visit  the 
prisons.  I  desire  and  earnestly  pray  to  be  preserved  fi'om 
an  over-active  spirit  in  these  things  ;  and  on  the  other  hand 
faithfully,  diligently,  humbly  and  watchfully,  to  do  what- 
ever my  Lord  gives  me  to  do  that  may  be  to  His  glory,  or 
the  good  of  my  fellow-creatures. 

"We  have  passed  through  a  very  lovely  counti'y;  but  the 
Bun  has  not  shone  much  upon  us,  and  the  atmosphere  of 
my  mind  has  partaken  of  the  same  hue,  which  is  not  so 
pleasant  as  more  lively  coloring  of  the  mind,  but  I  am  ready 
to  think  more  profitable,  and  perhaps  more  likely  to  qualify 
ine  for  the  weighty  duties  before  me." 

"From  Loch  Katrine  the  party  passed  to  Balloch,  and 
Luss,  and  thence  to  Inverary  and  Loch  Awe,  from  whence 
Mrs.  Fry  returned  to  Edinburgh,  her  time  and  energies 
being  devoted  to  the  completion  of  those  objects  begun  on 
a  former  visit. 

"  But  whilst  many  institutions  of  great  importance,  owe 
their  existence,  either  directly,  or  indirectly,  to  her  skill  and 
exertions — and  she  sowed  the  seed  of  many  a  noble  tree — 
Bhe  did  not  omiL  the  smallest  opportunities  of  benefiting 
others  that  are  presented  in  the  occurrences  of  each  passing 
hour.  It  was  her  unvarying  practice,  both  at  private  dwell* 


RISING  UP  THE  MOUNTAINa. 


25» 


ings  and  at  the  inns  where  they  passed  their  First-days,  to 
invite  the  servants  to  attend  the  evening  Scripture  i-eadings ; 
many  of  the  visitors  who  like  themselves  were  only  sojourn- 
ers for  a  short  time,  also  joined  them  on  these  S3]emn  and 
interesting  occasions.  Hers  was  a  constant  endeavor  to 
leave  some  savor  of  good  on  all  with  whom  she  had  any  com- 
munication. The  chambermaid  and  the  waiter  received  the 
word  of  kindness  and  counsel,  and  a  little  tract,  or  text-book 
to  impress  it  upon  their  memories.  The  postillion  at  the 
carriage  window,  and  the  cotter  at  the  roadside,  met  with 
appropriate  notice,  and  this  mingled  with  the  most  unaffected 
enjoyment  of  the  counti-y  and  spiiit  in  all  the  incidents  of 
traveling. 

"The  results  of  her  observations  ou  the  state  of  the 
Scotch  prisons  she  forwai'ded  to  the  proper  authorities  after 
her  return."* 

During  the  year  1833  she  accompanied  her  husband  to 
the  South  of  England,  calling  at  the  Coast  Guard  Stations, 
Hospitals,  etc.,  made  a  brief  visit  to  the  Isle  of  Wight,  and 
to  Guernsey,  thence  to  Weymouth,  Plymouth  and  Falmouth, 
where  she  arranged  to  have  the  packets  continually  sailing 
from  the  latter  port  supplied  with  Bibles,  Testaments, 
tracts,  &c.  She  returned  by  way  of  North  Devon,  and 
Amesbury  where  she  paused  long  enough  to  arrange  for 
the  establishment  of  a  library  for  the  use  of  the  Shepherds 
of  Salisbury  Plain.  All  these  movements  were  successful 
in  the  objects  aimed  at,  and  resulted  in  no  small  amount  of 
good  to  the  poor  who  were  thus  provided  with  means  of 
improvement. 

•  Memoir  Vol,  2,  page  210. 


254 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


During  a  visit  to  Sussex  and  Kent,  in  March  183G,  oo 
curred  the  following  incident. 

"At  Hastings  several  of  the  Coast  Gnai'd  men  and  officers 
were  at  the  Meeting.  I  had  many  proofs  of  the  use  and 
va"lue  of  the  libraries  sent  them  to  my  comfort  and  satisfac- 
tion, proving  it  not  to  have  been  labor  'in  vain  in  the  Lord.' 
Keal  kindness,  a'.most  affection,  as  well  as  gratitude  was 
shown  to  me  by  several  of  the  men  and  officers  and  their 
families.  AVo  hope  a  Bible  Society  will  be  formed  at  Rye 
in  consequence  of  our  visit,  and  a  Prison  Society  at  Dover. 
But  to  come  to  one  of  the  most  interesting  parts  of  our  ex- 
pediiiou,  we  went  to  Sheerness  to  visit  the  women  and  chil- 
Qi-en  in  the  ship  in  ordinary.  Captain  Kennedy  had  them 
collected  at  my  request ;  it  was  a  line  sight,  in  a  large  man- 
of-wav,  instead  of  bloodshed  and  fightings  to  see  many 
naval  officers,  two  chaplains,  sailors,  soldiers,  ladies,  num- 
bers of  women  and  children,  all  met  to  hear  what  two  Qua- 
kers had  to  say,  more  particularly  a  woman,  and  to  listen  to 
any  advice  given  by  them.  We  examined  the  children  as  to 
their  knowiedge,  then  gave  them  advice,  after-wards  we  ad- 
di'essed  their  parents,  and  lastly  those  present  generallj'— 
we  were  received  with  great  cordiality  by  Captaiu  Kennedy, 
end  his  wife." 

In  April  and  May  of  the  same  year  she  spent  a  month  in 
Ir  eland.  The  description  of  the  setting  out  and  the  return 
has  a  touching  personal  interest,  and  perhaps  illustrates 
the  power  of  prayer. 

"Fourth  Month,  lith. — Just  about  leaving  heme  for 
Ireland — oh  deaiest  Lord!  Vieaa,  I  entreat  Thee,  this  act  of 
faith,  to  my  faniiiy,  myself,  and  tho.se  amongst  whom  I  go, 
and  be,  I  most  humbly  pray  Tiiee,  my  Keeper,  and  their 
Keeper ;  my  Helper,  and  tht-ir  Helper ;  my  Strengtli,  and 
the^-  Strength;  my  Joy  audPeact;,  and  their-  Joy  and  i'eaje. 


BISING  DP  THE  MOtTNTAINS. 


255 


Amen !  Grant  this  for  Thine  own  name's  sake,  O  most 
gracious  Lord  Gocl !  cause  also  that  we  may  again  meet  in 
love,  joy,  peace  and  safety. 

"  Upton  Lane,  Fifth  Month,  \2>th. — I  returned  home 
safely,  yesterday  afternoon.  I  think  I  never  had  so  happy 
and  so  prosperous  an  arrival.  I  wept  with  joy:  the  stream 
appears  to  be  turned  for  awhile :  my  tears  have  often  flowed 
for  sorrow,  and  now  my  beloved  husband  and  children  have 
caused  them  to  flow  for  joy.  I  found  not  only  all  going  on 
well,  and  having  done  so  in  my  absence,  but,  to  please,  com- 
fort and  surprise  me,  my  dearest  husband  had  had  my 
rooms  altered  and  made  most  comfortable,  and  my  childi'en 
had  sent  me  nice  presents  to  make  them  more  complete. 
Theii"  offerings  of  love  quite  gladdened  my.  heart,  though 
far  too  good  for  me ;  I  felt  utterly  unworthy  of  them ;  I 
may  say  peculiarly  so.  I  have  seldom  returned  home  moro 
sensible  of  the  hidden  evils  of  my  heart.  Circumstances  have 
unusually  made  me  feel  this.  I  fully  believe  in  this  goin^f 
out  luuch  help  has  been  gi  anted  me  in  various  ways.  My 
understanding  has  appeared  to  be  enlightened  more  fully  to 
see  and  comprehend  gospel  truth,  and  power  has  been  given 
me  to  utter  it  boldly,  beyond  what  I  could  have  su^^posed.'" 

Referring  to  the  above,  Mrs.  Corder  remarks:  "The  pre- 
ceding extract  depicts  what  was,  under  all  circumstances,  the 
striking  characteristic  of  this  remarkable  woman — her  deep 
humility  and  low  estimate  of  herself.  She  who  was  contin- 
ually devoting  every  energy  of  mind  and  body  to  promote 
the  happiness  of  the  human  family,  and  whose  self-sacriticing; 
love  assumed  a  concentrated  form  of  tenderest  attachment 
towards  each  member  of  her  own  immediate  circle,  callinsr 
forth,  in  every  hour  of  need,  the  juost  assiduous  exertions 
in  their  service,  is  yet  found  to  be  so  acutely  affected  b/ 
tokens  of  kind  attention  from  her  husband  and  children— 


256 


ELrZAEETH  FEY. 


tokens  which  might  naturally  be  expected  by  every  aflfec- 
tionate  wife  and  mother — that  the  tears  of  grateful  joy  are 
shed,  and  her  heart  is  ffladdened  by  offerings  of  love  which 
she  feels  herself utterly  unworthy''  to  receive.  This  inci- 
dent portrays  her  mind  in  lines  more  vividly  defined  than 
pen  can  describe." 

"Sixth  Month,  18th. — I  have  felt  a  good  deal  pressed  in 
spiiit  during  these  last  few  days.  The  day  before  yester- 
day I  counted  twenty-nine  persons  who  came  here  on 
various  accounts,  principally  to  see  me.  There  are  times 
when  the  tide  of  life  is  almost  overpowering.  It  makes  me 
doubtful  as  to  our  remaining  much  longer  in  this  place 
which  from  its  situation  brings  so  many  here.  I  have  sev- 
eral things  which  rather  weightily  press  me  just  now.  I 
desire  to  lay  my  case  before  the  Lord,  trusting  in  Him,  and 
casting  myself  and  my  whole  care  upon  Him.  Dearest 
Lord,  help :  supply  all  our  needs  through  Thy  riches  of 
grace  in  Christ  Jesus!  Amen." 

July  27th  she  set  out  for  another  visit  to  the  islands  of 
Jersey  and  Guernsey,  to  further  the  work  previously  inaugu- 
rated and  minister  the  Gospel  to  such  as  were  in  need. 
She  felt  constrained  to  remain  until  her  task  was  completed, 
notwithstanding  that  one  of  her  sisters,  the  wife  of  Samuel 
Hoare,  was  at  the  time  rapidly  approaching  her  end.  She 
finished  her  public  woik  iu  time  to  attend  at  the  bedside  of 
her  dying  sister.  She  had  gone  on  this  mission  under  a 
sense  of  duty  notwithstanding  her  sister's  low  state.  Siio 
writes : 

"I  had  the  inexpressible  comfort  of  being  permitted  a 
fe.v  days  with  her,  and  she  evidently  liked  my  company.  I 
paiiicL'.]ai'ly  ob2c:"%e.l  ho.v  gently  I  was  dealt  with,  by  her 


filSIKQ  W  THE  MOUNTAINS. 


257 


reviving  after  I  arrived,  so  that  I  had  not  the  bitterness  oi 
seeing  her  at  once  sinking.  The  affliction  was  thus  mitiga- 
ted to  me ;  I  was  enabled  to  show  her  some  marks  of  my 
deep  and  true  love,  and  to  be  with  and  earnestly  pray  for 
her  in  the  hour  of  death.  I  was  helped  to  be  some  comfort 
to  many  of  her  family,  and  (utterly  unworthy  as  I  know  I 
am  of  it)  I  believe  in  my  various  ministrations  I  was  enabled 
to  prove  the  power  of  the  Spiiit  to  qualify  for  his  own  work ; 
and  amongst  them  all,  particularly  with  my  dear  nephew 
who  has  just  entered  the  '  Church,'  deeply  to  impress  the 
necessity  of  the  work  of  the  Spirit  being  carried  on  ia  the 
heart,  and  of  having  Christian  charity  towards  others  of 
every  denomination.  My  beloved  sister  Hoare's  death  has 
made  a  deep  impression  on  me.  I  do  not  like  to  enter  life 
or  its  cares,  or  to  see  many,  or  to  be  seen.  I  like  to  with- 
draw from  the  world  and  to  be  very  quiet." 

Soon  after  this  her  husband  and  one  of  their  daughters 
met  with  serious  injuries  ia  France,  by  the  falling  of  their 
caniage  over  a  precipice  twelve  feet  in  perpendicular  height. 
The  father  was  severely  shocked  and  the  daughter  barely 
escaped  with  her  life.  While  watching  this  daughter,  ac- 
counts came  from  another  daughter  who,  with  her  little  boy 
and  his  nurse,  was  sick  with  scarlet  fever.  All  these  re- 
covered ;  but  about  three  months  later,  a  beloved  and  amia- 
ble sister-in-law,  Lady  Harriet  Gurney,  wife  of  her  brother 
Daniel,  died  very  suddenly,  leaving  a  family  of  eight  young 
children.    On  the  day  of  the  funeral  she  writes : 

"What  a  scene  of  unutterable  sorrow  at  Runcton,  where 
a  few  days  ago  all  was,  in  no  common  degree,  joy,  peace 
and  great  prosperity.  Oh !  what  occadions  are  these  whei'e 
families  meet  together  for  the  affecting  and  solemn  purpose 


258 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


of  committing  the  remains  of  a  beloved  one  to  tlie  silenl 
grave.  May  the  Lord  Himself  lift  up  the  light  of  His  coun- 
tenance upon  them  and  bless  them,  and  keep  them  in  a 
soimd  mind  and  sound  faith.  Be  pleased,  O  gracious 
Lord!  to  help,  pity,  and  comfort  these  afflicted  ones  thia 
day." 

''Sixth  Month,  (1837)— The  King  died  last  Third-day, 
the  20th.  Our  young  Queen  was  proclaimed  yesterday. 
My  prayers  have  arisen  for  her  that  our  Heavenly  Father 
would  pour  forth  His  Spirit  upon  her,  guide  her  by  His 
covmsel,  and  grant  her  that  wisdom  which  is  from  above.  I 

have  received  a  long  letter  from  the  Duchess  of  giving 

a  very  interesting  account  of  her,  and  the  death  of  the  late 
King. 

"  Seventh  Month,  2Qth. — I  returned  home  yesterday  even- 
ing from  Lowestoft,  after  having  accompanied  my  brother 
Joseph  to  Liverpool  on  his  way  to  America.  Our  time  at 
Earlham  was  very  interesting ;  I  believe  I  was  helpful  to  my 
brother  in  a  large  Meeting  that  he  held  to  take  leave  of  the 
citizens  of  Norwich.  It  was  a  highly  interesting  occasion 
and  I  trust  edifying  to  many.  I  am  very  sorry  to  say  that 
my  mind  has  too  much  the  habit  of  anxiety  and  fearfulness. 
I  believe  this  little  joui-ney  would  have  been  much  more  use- 
ful to  me,  but  from  an  almost  constant  cloud  over  me,  from 
the  fear  of  being  wanted  by  some  of  my  family.  I  thiak  it 
would  be  better  for  myself  and  for  them,  if  they  did  not 
always  cling  so  closely  round  my  heart  so  as  to  become  too 
much  a  weight  upon  me. 

"My  beloved  brother's  taking  leave  of  Earlham  and  the 
famUy  there,  [his  wife  was  deceased]  was  very  aflfectiag; 
still  there  was  peace  in  it,  and  joy  in  the  Lord,  inasmuch  as 
there  is  delight  in  doing  what  we  believe  to  be  His  will. 
We  went  from  Earlham  to  Runcton ;  there  we  dined.  Shall 
I  ever  dine  with  my  three  brothers  again  ?  The  Lord  only 
knows — my  heart  was  tendered  in  being  with  them." 


RISING  UP  THE  MOUNTAINS. 


259 


This  parting  visit  to  her  brother  was  concluded  at  Liver- 
pool, and  is  thus  graphically  described: 

"  "We  made  all  things  comfortable  for  him ;  I  attended  to 
the  books,  and  that  a  proper  library  should  go  out  for  the 
crew,  passengers  and  steerage  passengers.  However  occu- 
pied or  interested,  I  desire  never  to  forget  anything  that 
may  be  of  service  to  others.  We  had  a  delightful  morning 
with  Joseph,  but  the  tears  often  rose  to  my  eyes ;  still  I 
desire  to  be  thankful  more  than  sorrowful,  that  I  have  a 
brother  so  fitted  for  his  Lord's  service,  and  willing  to  give 
up  all  for  His  name's  sake. 

"That  evening  again  we  had  an  interesting  religious  time 
in  prayer.  The  next  morning  there  was  a  solemn  calm  over 
us — the  day  of  parting  was  come.  After  breakfast  we  all 
assembled,  with  some  of  our  friends.  We  read  the  4th  of 
PhiUppians,  our  spirits  were  much  bowed  and  broken,  but 
the  chapter  encouraged  us  to  stand  fast  in  the  Lord,  to  help 
one  another  in  Christ — even  the  women  who  labored  in  the 
gospel — and  to  be  careful  for  nothing,  for  that  the  Lord 
would  supply  all  our  need. 

"  Soon  afterwards  we  went  to  the  ship.  I  saw  the  hbrary 
arranged,  with  some  others  to  help  me;  then  devoted  my- 
self to  my  beloved  brother,  put  sweet  flowers  in  his  cabin 
which  was  made  most  comfortable  for  him.  It  was  an- 
nounced that  the  ship  was  going — we  assembled  in  the 
ladies  cabin — I  believe  all  wept.  William  Forster  said  the 
language  had  powerfully  impressed  him — 'I  will  be  with 
you  always,  even  to  the  end  of  the  world ; '  therefore  we 
might  trust  our  beloved  ones  to  Him  who  had  promised.  I 
then  knelt  down  with  these  words — '  Now,  Lord,  what  wait 
we  foi",  our  hope  is  in  Thee,'  and  entirely  committed  him 
and  his  companions  in  the  ship  to  the  most  holy  and  pow- 
erful keeping  of  Israel's  Shepherd ;  that  even  the  voyage 
might  be  blessed  to  him  and  to  others.    In  short  our  souls 


S6U 


ELIZABETH  FEY. 


were  poured  forth  before  and  unto  the  Lord  in  deep  prayer 
and  supplication.  Joseph  almost  sobbed;  still  a  solemn 
quiet  and  peace  reigned  over  us.  I  believe  the  Lord  waa 
with  us  and  owned  us  at  this  solemn  time.  We  left  the 
ship  and  walked  by  the  side  of  the  Pier,  until  they  were 
towed  out ;  then  we  went  away  and  wept  bitterlj^ — but  not 
the  tears  of  deep  sorrow ;  far  from  it ;  how  different  fronc 
the  grief  for  sin,  or  even  disease,  or  the  perplexities  of  life.' 

Soon  after  this  Mrs.  Fry  proposed  a  plan  for  securing 
more  intercourse  on  religious  subjects  with  her  children, 
who  had,  in  different  ways,  and  by  various  means,  been 
brought  to  acknowledge  their  Saviour's  claims — thus  afford- 
ing an  answer  to  her  motherly  travail  and  prayers,  though 
not  in  the  manner  of  her  own  choosing.  She  thus  speaks 
of  it  immediately  before  the  experiment  was  tried. 

"Ninth  Month,  2nd,  1837. — I  have  for  many  months 
past  deeply  felt  the  wish  for  more  religious  intercourse  with 
my  children,  and  more  uniting  with  them  upon  important 
and  interesting  subjects.  I  have  turned  it  in  my  mind 
again  and  again,  and  at  last  have  proposed  making  the  ex- 
periment, and  meeting  this  evening,  first  to  consider  differ- 
ent subjects  of  usefulness  in  charities,  and  then  to  close 
with  serious  reading,  and  such  religious  communication  as 
way  may  open  for. 

"Thou,  Lord,  only  knowest  the  depth  of  my  desire  for 
the  everlasting  welfare  of  my  children.  If  it  be  Thy  holy 
and  blessed  will,  grant  that  we  may  be  truly  united  to 
Thee,  as  members  of  thy  Militant  Church  on  earth,  and 
epu'itually  united  amongst  ourselves,  as  members  of  one 
body,  eadb  filling  his  different  office  faithfully  unto  Thee. 
Grant  that  this  little  effort  may  be  blessed  to  promote  this 
end,  and  cause  that  in  making  it  we  may  experience  the 


BISING  UP  THE  MOUNTAINS. 


261 


sweet  influence  of  Thy  love  shed  abroad  in  each  of  our 
heai'ts,  to  our  real  help,  comfort,  edification  and  unity." 

The  proposal  was  made  as  follows : 

"  Upton  Lane,  Eighth  Month,  15th,  1837. 
"My  deaeest  Children, 

Many  of  you  know  that  for  some  time  I  have  felt  and 
expressed  the  want  of  our  social  intercourse  at  times  lead- 
ing to  religious  union  and  communion  amongst  us.  It  has 
pleased  the  Almighty  to  permit  that  by  far  the  larger  num- 
ber of  you  no  longer  walk  with  me  in  my  religious  course. 
Except  very  occasionally,  we  do  not  meet  together  for  the 
solemn  purpose  of  worship,  and  upon  some  other  points  we 
do  not  see  eye  to  eye ;  and  whilst  I  feel  deeply  sensible 
that  notwithstanding  this  diversity  we  are  truly  united  in 
oui-  Holy  Head,  there  are  times  when,  in  my  decliuiog  years 
I  seriously  feel  the  loss  of  not  having  more  of  the  spiritual 
help  and  encouragement  of  those  I  have  brought  up,  and 
truly  sought  to  nurture  in  the  Lord.  This  has  led  me  to 
many  serious  considerations  how  the  case  may,  under  pres- 
ent cuxumstances,  be  in  any  way  met. 

"  My  conclusion  is  that  believing  as  we  do  in  one  Lord 
as  our  Saviour,  one  Holy  Spiiit  as  our  Sanctifier,  and  one 
God  and  Father  of  us  all,  our  points  of  union  are  surely 
strong ;  and  if  we  are  members  of  one  living  Church,  and 
expect  to  be  such  forever,  we  may  prontabiy  unite  in  some 
religious  engagements  here  below. 

"  The  world  au  i  the  things  of  it  occupy  us  too  much  and 
tht7  are  rapidly  p  .ssing  away;  it  would  be  well  if  we  occa- 
sionally set  aparc  a  time  for  unitedly  attending  to  the 
things  of  Eternity.  I  therefore  propose  that  we  try  the 
following  plan;  if  it  answer,  continue  it;  if  not,  by  no 
means  feel  bound  to  it. — That  our  pai'ty,  in  the  fii-st  in- 
stance, should  consist  of  no  others  than  our  childi'en,  and 
such  grandchildren  as  may  be  old  enough  to  attend.  That 


262 


ELIZABETH  PBT. 


our  object  in  meeting  be  for  the  strengthening  of  our  faith, 
for  our  advancement  in  a  devoted,  religious,  and  holy  life, 
and  for  the  promotion  of  Christian  love  and  fellovFship. 

"That  we  read  the  Scriptures  unitedly,  in  an  easy, 
familiar  manner,  each  being  at  perfect  liberty  to  make  any 
remark  or  ask  any  question ;  that  it  should  be  a  time  of 
religious  instruction  by  seeking  to  understand  the  mind  of 
the  Lord,  for  doctrine  and  practice  in  searching  the  Scrip- 
tures, and  bringing  oui'selves  and  our  deeds  to  the  light, 
that  it  may  be  made  manifest  if  they  are  wrought  in  God. 
That  either  before  or  after  the  Scriptures  are  read,  we 
should  consider  how  far  we  are  really  engaged  for  the  good 
of  our  fellow-men,  and  what,  as  far  as  we  can  judge,  most 
conduces  to  this  object.  AU  the  members  of  this  little 
community  are  advised  to  communicate  anything  they  may 
have  found  useful  or  interesting  in  religious  books,  and  to 
bring  forward  anything  that  is  doing  for  the  good  of  man- 
kind in  the  world  generally. 

"  I  hope  that  thus  meeting  together  may  stimulate  the 
family  to  more  devotion  or  heart  to  the  service  of  their  God, 
at  home  and  abioad,  to  mind  their  different  callings,  how- 
ever varied,  and  to  be  active  in  helping  others.  It  is  pro- 
posed that  this  meeting  should  take  place  once  a  month,  at 
each  house  in  rotation. 

"  I  have  now  drawn  some  little  outline  of  what  I  desire, 
and  if  any  of  you  like  to  unite  with  me  in  making  the  exper- 
iment it  would  be  very  gratifying  to  me ;  still  I  hope  that 
all  will  feel  at  liberty  to  do  as  they  think  best  themselves. 
I  am  indeed  your  neaily  attached  mother, 

Elizabeth  Fay." 

In  refe  nee  to  this  proposal  and  its  results  the  daugh- 
ters state,  in  her  Memoir,  that  "The  plan  was  tried  and 
found  to  anbwer  exceedingly  well,  toome  of  the  collateral 
branches  of  the  family  afterwards  joined  these  little  re- 
unions: they  proved  occasions  of  stimuias  in 'every  good 


ElSme  TO  THE  MOUNTADIft 


263 


vrovd  and  work.'  Some  important  good  has  resulted  from 
the  combined  exertions  consequent  upon  them,  and  they 
continue  to  this  day  under  the  name  of  'philanthropic 
evenings ; '  and  they  are  always  concluded  by  a  Scripture 
reading,  and  occasionally  by  prayer."  Thus  do  her  works 
follow  bar. 


CHAPTER  NINTH. 


FIKST  AND  SECOND  VISITS  TO  THE  OOKTINENT. 

In  1838  Elizabeth  Fry  began  the  remarkable  series  of 
visits  to  the  Continent  of  Europe  which  rendered  her  name 
almost  as  familiar  there  as  it  was  in  England.  The  subject 
is  thus  briefly  opened  in  her  Journal: 

"  Twelfth  Month,  20fA.— I  have  laid  before  my  Monthly 
Meeting  my  prospect  of  visiting  France,  and  obtained  the 
concurrence  of  Friends.  Oh !  for  help,  daily,  hourly, — and 
may  a  sound  mind,  love  and  power  be  granted  to  me  and 
to  others,  to  our  own  peace  and  the  glory  of  God. 

"  Upton  Lane,  First  Month,  Qth,  1838. — I  yesterday  re- 
turned from  a  visit  to  Norfolk.  Before  going  there  I  laid 
my  concern  to  go  to  France  before  our  large  Quarterly 
Meeting,  and  had  the  very  great  encouragement  of  such  a 
flow  of  unity  as  I  have  seldom  heard  expressed  on  any  oc- 
casion. 

"  24«A. — I  expect  to  leave  home  to-morrow  for  France. 
My  spirit  has  been  very  much  brought  down  before  the 
Lord;  some  causes  of  anxiety  have  arisen ;  still  in  this  my 
going  out  love  abounds  in  no  common  degree,  and  a  portion 
of  soul-sustaining  peace  underneath.  These  words  com- 
forted me  this  morning,  2  Timothy,  i.  12 :  'I  know  whom  I 
have  believed,  and  am  persuaded  that  He  is  able  to  keep 
that  which  I  have  committed  unto  Him  against  that  day.' 
I  therefore,  in  this  my  going  out  commit  myself  and  my  all 
to  my  most  blessed  and  holy  Keeper,  even  to  the  Lord  God 


FIRST  AND  SECOND  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  265 

of  my  salvation,  my  only  hope  of  real  help  and  defence,  and 
of  eternal  glory." 

She  was  accompanied  in  this  journey  by  her  husband, 
their  friend  Josiah  Forster,  and  Lydia  Irving.  In  keeping 
with  the  plan  I  have  in  view  I  shall  give  only  the  most  im- 
portant incidents  of  these  journeys,  leaving  those  who  wish 
a  more  detailed  account  to  find  it  in  the  fuller  memorials 
from  which  these  selections  are  made. 

The  travelers  found  but  little  to  do  in  Bologne,  but  visited 
the  prison,  convent  and  hospital  and  then  went  directly 
to  Paris  where  "  comfortable  and  commodious  apartments 
were  prepared  for  them  at  the  Hotel  de  Castile  by  the  kind 
attentions  of  M.  Francois  Delessert.  They  arrived  there 
very  tued  and  very  cold  on  the  30th  of  January.  The 
morning  of  the  31st  was  opened  with  solemn  united  prayer, 
offered  for  wisdom  from  on  High  to  direct,  and  strength  to 
perform,  whatever  might  be  called  for  at  their  hands.  Then 
came  a  visit  from  Madame  Delessert,  two  notes  from  Lord 
Granville,  the  English  Ambassador  at  Paris,  a  call  at  the 
Embassy,  and  in  the  evening  the  company  of  M.  de  Pres- 
sense,  the  Secretary  of  the  Bible  Society,  with  his  wife. 

Feb.  1st,  they  attended  a  small  Friends'  Meeting  held 
in  the  Faubourg  du  Roule,  and  afterwards  called  on  La 
Baronne  Pelet  de  la  Lozere.  In  her  Elizabeth  Fry  found  a 
friend  and  sister  in  Christ.  They  then  paid  a  visit  to  Count 
Montalivet,  Minister  of  the  Interior,  by  whom  they  were 
most  kindly  received  and  promised  all  needful  admissions 
to  the  different  prisons." 

A  summary  of  her  engagements  in  Paris  is  given  in  a  lelr 
ter.  to  her  children  written  from  St.  Germains. 


263 


EtlZABETH  TRY. 


"  Third  Month,  5th,  1838. 

"We  arrived  here  last  evening  after  quitting  the  most 
deeply  interesting  field  of  service  I  think  I  was  ever  en- 
gaged in.  My  first  feeling  is  peace  and  true  thankfulness 
for  the  extraordinary  help  granted  to  us ;  my  next  feeling 
an  earnest  desire  to  communicate  to  you,  my  most  tenderly 
beloved  children,  and  others  nearest  to  me,  the  sense  I  have 
of  the  kindness,  and  goodness,  and  mercy,  of  my  Heavenly 
Father  who  has  dealt  so  bountifully  with  me,  that  it  may 
lead  all  to  serve  Him  fully,  love  Him  more,  and  follow  more 
simply  the  guidance  of  the  Spirit. 

"I  mean  now  to  tell  you  a  Uttle  of  my  reflections  upon 
this  important  period,  the  last  month  in  Paris.  I  was  at 
first  very  poorly,  very  low,  and  saw  little  opening  for  re- 
ligious usefulness,  though  some  for  charity  and  benevolent 
objects.  Soon  my  health  revived  and  we  had  full  occupa- 
tion in  visiting  prisons  and  other  institutions,  and  saw  many 
influential  persons.  This  opened  a  door  in  various  ways  for 
close  communication  with  a  deeply  interesting  variety  ol 
both  philanthropic  and  religious  people,  and  thus  intro- 
duced into  a  more  intimate  acquaintance  with  the  state  of 
general  society.  Religiously,  we  find  some,  indeed  we  may 
say  a  great  many,  who  appear  much  broken  off  from  the 
bonds  of  Eoman  Catholic  superstition;  but  with  it,  I  fear 
have  been  ready  to  give  up  religion  itself,  though  feeling 
the  need  of  it  for  themselves  and  others.  To  these  I  think 
we  have  been  helpful  by  upholding  religion  in  its  simplicity 
and  most  strongly  expressing  our  sense  of  the  necessity  of 
it,  and  that  nothing  can  alter  or  improve  the  moral  charac- 
ter, or  bring  real  peace,  but  true  Christian  principles.  To 
this  we  have  very  faithfully  borne  testimony,  and  most 
strongly  encouraged  all  to  promote  a  more  free  cu'culation 
of  the  Scriptui'es,  particularly  the  New  Testament,  and  a 
more  diligent  reading  of  the  Bibie  in  institutions  and  fam- 
ihes.  I  have  in  private  circles  introduced  (frequently  by  de- 
scribing what  poor  crimin  'l   wanted  in  prisons)  the  simp'e 


P3ST  AND  SECOND  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  267 

truths  of  the  Gospel,  illustrated  sometimes  by  interesting 
facts  respecting  the  conversion  of  these  poor  woman  prison- 
ers ;  and  have  been  thus  enabled  in  numerous  parties  to 
show  the  broad,  clear,  and  simple  way  of  salvation,  through 
our  Lord  and  Saviour  for  all.  It  has  been  striking  to  me 
in  our  dinner  visits,  some  of  them  splendid  occasions,  how 
curiously  way  has  opened,  without  the  least  formahty,  or 
even  difficulty,  in  conversation,  to  '  speak  the  truth  in  love' 
— especially  one  day  as  to  how  far  balls  and  theatres  were 
Christian  and  right;  the  way  in  which  Eoman  CathoUo 
priests  appeared  to  hinder  the  spread  of  the  Gospel ;  the 
importance  of  circulating  good  books  (this  has  been  a  very 
common  subject)  and  above  all  the  New  Testament.  At 
our  Ambassador's,  Lord  Granville's  several  were  in  tears 
during  the  conversation.  I  think  our  dinner  visits  have 
been  an  important  part  of  our  service,  so  much  has  been 
done  by  these  communications  after  and  at  them.  In  many 
instances  numbers  have  joined  us  in  the  evening,  particu* 
larly  the  youth.  With  these  it  has  pleased  my  Heavenly 
Father  to  give  me  some  influence.  Last  First-day  evening 
I  had  a  very  large  party  of  them  to  a  reading,  which  appears 
to  have  given  much  satisfaction.  It  has  been  a  most  curious 
opiening  w'ith  persons  of  many  nations.  Many  have  lately 
flocked  to  our  little  meetings.  I  wonder  how  I  could  feel 
easy  to  go  away  from  such  a  field  of  service,  but  I  did,  and 
therefore  went.  On  Third-day  went  to  the  King  and  Queen, 
and  therefore  could  not  attend  our  little  week  day  Meeting: 
they  said  eighty  persons  came  to  it  who  went  away.  I  have 
found  unusual  help  at  these  times  to  speak  the  truth  with 
power ;  my  belief  is  that  there  are  many  unsettled  and  seek- 
ing minds  in  this  country. 

"  We  have  had  much  intercourse  with  the  Minister  of  In- 
struction, and  he  gives  me  leave  to  send  him  a  large  number 
of  books  from  England  to  be  translated  into  French.  My 
full  belief  is  that  many  Testaments  and  valuable  books  will 
circulate  in  consequence  of  our  visit. 


%68 


ELIZABETH  FRT. 


"  The  efforts  made  to  form  a  Ladies  Society  to  visit  the 
prisons  of  France,  and  particularly  Paris,  (whether  they 
succeed  or  not)  have  been  important.  First,  by  my  taking 
many  ladies  to  visit  the  great  Female  Prison  of  St.  Lazare 
and  there  reading,  or  having  read,  small  portions  of  Scrip- 
ture, and  my  few  words  through  an  interpreter  producing 
(far  beyond  what  I  could  have  expected)  such  a  wonderful 
effect  upon  these  poor  sinners.  The  glad  tidings  of  the 
Gospel  appeared  to  touch  their  hearts;  many  wept  exceed- 
ingly, and  it  was  a  fresh  and  striking  proof  of  the  power 
of  truth,  when  simply  told.  In  the  next  place  the  large 
number  of  ladies  that  have  met  at  our  house  upon  the  sub- 
ject has  afforded  so  remarkable  an  opportunity  to  express 
to  them  my  views  of  salvation  by  Christ  alone,  of  the  unity 
that  should  exist  among  Christians,  and  must  do  so,  if  sanc- 
tified by  the  Spirit ;  and  deeply  to  impress  the  simplicity 
and  spirituality  of  true  religion.  I  think  something  impor- 
tant in  the  prison  cause  will  eventually  come  of  it,  but  it 
will  take  time. 

"  We  have  had  very  large  parties  of  English  and  Americans* 
and  some  French,  at  the  houses  of  the  Methodist  minister, 
the  American  minister,  and  at  another  serious  person's. 
Also  we  joined  the  French  Wesleyan  Methodists  in  their 
chapel,  and  had  a  precious  meeting  with  them.  Of  the 
highly  evangOiical  Episcopalians  and  Independents,  we  had 
large  parties  at  different  houses.  In  all  these  we  have  had 
fcolemn  religious  service.  The  Episcopalians  have  been 
brought  into  very  close  union  with  us.  In  our  own  house 
we  have  had  two  large  parties  of  a  philanthropic  and  rehg- 
ious  nature,  attended  by  many.  Lady  Olivia  Sparrow  has 
often  been  quite  a  comfort  to  me;  and  many  others  I  may 
say  have  proved  true  helpers — French  and  Americans,  and 
more  than  these — the  Charge  d' Affaires  of  the  Ha  use  Towns 
and  his  wife,  also  Prussians  and  Swiss.  The  Greek  Ambas- 
sador Coletti  came  to  me  for  advice  on  some  points  in  the 
state  of  Greece,  in  which  I  believe  I  shall  be  enabled  to 


FIKST  AND  SECOND  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT. 


26» 


assist  him.    A  Captain  B  thinks  of  having  my  sister 

Hoare's  'Hints  for  the  Laboring  Classes'  translated  for 
the  parents  of  the  children  who  attend  the  schools  upon 
the  mountains  in  India.  We  have  also  seen  many  of  the 
medical  students,  English  and  American,  and  are  anxious 
to  have  some  efforts  made  for  their  moral  and  religioua 
good,  in  Paris  where  so  many  come. 

"Our  visit  to  the  King  arid  Queen  was  interesting ;  but 
alas !  what,  in  reality  is  rank  ?  The  King  I  thiak  in  person 
like  the  late  Lord  Torriugton,  the  Queen  a  very  agreeable 
and  even  interesting  woman.  I  expressed  my  reUgiou3 
interest  and  concern  for  them,  which  was  well  received,  and 
we  had  much  conversation  with  the  Queen  and  the  Princess 
Adelaide  before  the  King  came  into  the  room.  We  strongly 
expressed  to  the  Queen  our  desire  to  have  the  Sabbath  bet- 
ter kept,  and  the  Scriptures  more  read.  She  is  a  sweet- 
minded,  merciful  woman.  There  were  present  Madame 
Adelaide,  the  King's  sister,  one  of  the  young  Princesses, 

the  Maichioness  of  D  ,  principal  Lady  of  Honor  to  the 

Queen. 

"  We  then  proceeded  to  the  Duchess  of  Orleans  ;  there 
we  had  a  delightful  visit,  and  the  sweetest  religious  com- 
munication with  her,  and  other  interesting  conversation. 
We  found  her  an  uncommon  person ;  my  belief  is  that  she 
is  a  very  valuable  young  woman. 

"  The  Queen  appeared  much  pleased  with  my  Text-book  j 
and  the  Princess  Adelaide  said  she  should  keep  it  in  her 
pocket  and  read  it  daily.  Lideed  no  books  have  given  the 
same  pleasure  as  the  Text-books,  both  in  French  and  Eng- 
lish. I  think  we  have  given  many  hundreds  of  them,  and 
next  in  number  my  sister  Louisa's  books  on  Education ; 
they  delight  the  people ;  also  a  great  many  of  Joseph's  let- 
ters to  Dr.  A  of  which  we  have  a  beautiful  edition  in 

French,  and  his  Sabbath  ;  of  these  we  expect  to  give  many 
hundreds;  and  one  or  two  other  tracts  on  Christian  Duties, 
and  the  offices  of  the  Holy  Spirit.    Our  vaiious  books  and 


270 


ELIZABETH  FBI. 


tracts  have  had  a  very  open  reception,  but  we  have  been 
very  caref  al  when,  where,  and  what  to  give ;  although  in 
Bome  of  the  newspapers  it  was  stated  that  I  distributed 
controversial  tracts,  which  is  not  true. 

"  I  began  in  my  letter  to  say  what  a  variety  we  have  seen, 
but  I  did  not  say  what  interesting  and  delightful  persons 
we  have  met  with ;  amongst  the  ProLestants  particulai'ly 
some  first  rate  ladies  who  have  been  as  sisters  to  me,  so 
abundant  in  kindness  and  love.  One  has  truly  reminded 
me  of  my  sister  Eachel  in  her  person,  her  mind,  and  her 
excessive  care  over  me ;  she  has  felt  me  I  believe  like  her 
own.  We  have  indeed  increased  our  dear  and  near  friends 
by  this  visit,  much  as  it  was  in  Jersey  and  Guernsey,  only 
in  far  greater  numbers.  I  think  nothing  could  be  more 
seasonable  than  our  visit,  as  it  respected  the  prisons ;  and 
I  believe  the  influence  of  our  advice  has  been  very  decided, 
with  many  persons  of  consideration.  The  schools  we  have 
also  attended  to,  and  I  have  encouraged  a  more  Scriptural 
education ;  some  schools  of  great  consequence,  kept  by 
serious  Protestants  in  a  district  of  Paris,  want  much  help. 
There  are  seven  hundi'ed  children,  and  we  hear  that  tiie 
Head  of  the  Police  in  that  neighborhood  says  the  people 
generally  are  improved  in  consequence. 

"The  want  of  the  language  I  have  now  and  then  mucb 
felt,  but  not  very  often,  so  many  speak  English  well,  and 
many  understand  it  who  cannot  speak  it.  Also  I  blunder 
out  a  little  French. 

"  The  entreaties  for  us  to  stop  longer  in  Paris  have  been 
very  great,  but  my  inclination  draws  homeward;  I  am  a 
very  great  friend  to  not  stopping  too  long  in  a  place.  And 
as  I  believed  I  saw  a  little  hght  on  our  departure,  we 
thought  it  best  to  leave  all  for  the  present,  if  we  even  have, 
before  many  months  more,  to  retvu'u  for  a  short  time.  We 
have  been  a  united  and  often  a  cheerful  httle  party.  At 
times  I  have  carried  a  great  weight,  never  hai'dly  having 
my  home  party  out  of  mind  for  long  together,  however 


FIEST  AND  SECOND  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINBNT.  271 

full  and  occupied.  At  other  times  our  business  has  been  so 
great  as  almost  to  overwhelm  us — callers  almost  innumera- 
ble, and  most  of  them  on  important  business,  and  out  and 
in  almost  constantly  ourselves,  so  that  I  have  sometimes 
felt  as  if  I  could  not  long  bear  it,  particularly  when  I  could 
not  obtain  some  rest  in  the  afternoon.  Through  all  I  must 
say  He  who  I  believe  put  me  forth  has,  from  season  to  sea- 
son, restored  my  soul  and  body  and  helped  me  from  hour 
to  horn-.  This  day  week  I  sat  down  upon  my  chair  and 
wept ;  but  I  was  soon  helped  and  revived.  I  long  for  every 
child,  brother,  sister,  and  all  near  to  me,  to  be  sensible  how 
very  near  my  Holy  Helper  has  been  to  me;  and  yet  I  have 
exceedingly  and  deeply  felt  my  utter  unworthiness  and 
short  coming,  and  that  all  is  from  the  fulness  and  freenesa 
of  unmerited  mercy  and  love  in  Christ  Jesus.  I  can  hardly 
express  the  very  near  love  I  have  felt  for  you  all.  My 
prayers  very  often  have  arisen  for  you ;  and  i£  any  labor  I 
have  been  engaged  in  has  been  accepted  through  the  Be- 
loved, may  you,  my  most  tenderly  beloved  ones  partake  of 
the  blessing  attendant  upon  it.  My  dearest  husband  has 
been  a  true  helper;  and  Josiah  Foster  and  Lydia  Irving^ 
very  kind  and  useful  companions. 

"I  forgot  to  say,  I  think  the  few  friends  in  Paris  have 
been  greatly  comforted  and  stimulated  by  our  visit. 

"I  end  my  account  by  saying  what  I  trust  is  true,  'The 
Lord  is  my  Shepherd,  I  shall  not  want.'  We  are  now 
quietly  at  St.  Germains.  We  hear  most  interesting  accounts 
of  the  state  of  Normandy,  and  have  many  letters  of  intro- 
duction to  the  places  where  we  propose  to  go:  if  not 
wanted  home  I  shall  be  glad  to  go  there.  We  propose 
going  to  Bouen  to-morrow. 

I  am  your  most  devotedly  attached 

Elizabeth  Fey." 

The  remainder  of  the  account  is  from  the  pen  of  her 
daughters. 


272 


ELIZABETH  FB7 


"At  Eouen  they  were  mucli  interested  by  meeting  with 
a  respectable  woman  in  humble  life  who  had  lived  nurse 
fifteen  years  in  a  gentleman's  family,  a  Roman  Catholic,  but 
his  wife  a  Protestant.  There  she  had  been  so  much  im- 
pressed by  religious  truth,  (though  still  a  Roman  Catholic 
herself)  that  she  felt  it  her  duty  where  she  resided  to  circu- 
L;te  the  Scriptures  and  religious  tracts.  Her  master  told 
them  it  was  surprising  the  great  influence  she  had  obtained 
in  the  neighborhood.  Mrs.  Fry  supplied  her  with  six  Tes- 
taments and  a  Bible,  from  the  Bible  Society  Depot.  From 
the  same  society  she  obtained  a  number  of  copies  for  the 
school  in  the  prison,  where  the  Testament  was  habitually 
read  but  the  supply  was  very  inadequate.  This  school  was 
under  the  care  of  the  Abbe  Gossier,  M.  Du  Harnel,  and 
other  religious  gentlemen  who  themselves  daily  instructed 
the  young  prisoners. 

"  At  Caen  they  found  some  excellent  and  devoted  Metho- 
dists amongst  the  French,  and  learned  that  through  the 
efforts  of  one  young  English  lady,  (an  orphan  residing  in  a 
gentleman's  family  as  governess,)  many  coiDies  of  the  Scrip- 
tures had  been  purchased;  and  at  the  shop  of  a  Roman 
Catholic  more  than  a  hundred  of  de  Lacy's  Testaments  sold 
since  the  beginning  of  the  year. 

"The  prison  of  Beanlieu,  near  Caen,  was  Adsited  by  them 
with  much  satisfaction;  nearly  a  thousand  prisoners  were 
confined  there.  They  found  it  admirably  regulated  and  a 
serious  Roman  Catholic  clergyman  devoted  to  the  good  of 
those  under  his  care.  He  gladly  welcomed  the  gift  of  fifty 
Testaments. 

"  At  Havre  the  Ladies'  Bible  Society  had  sold  during  the 
former  year,  four  hundred  and  twenty-six  Testaments,  and 
thhty-three  Bibles,  and  had  given  fifty  Testaments  to  sol- 
diers who  were  in  the  habit  of  reading  them  every  evening 
to  their  comrades  in  the  barracks. 

"  At  Bologne  they  made  arrangements  for  the  sale  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  and  took  a  lively  interest  in  the  District 


FIBST  AND  SECOlfD  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT. 


273 


Socieiy,  biience  crossed  to  Dover,  and  on  the  following  day 
Mrs.  i  j.y  had  the  comfort  of  finding  herself  again  with  her 
family  at  home. 

"  The  effect  on  her  mind  of  this,  her  first  introduction  ta 
France,  was  very  powerful.  She  was  greatly  attracted  by 
the  life  and  facility  of  the  French  character.  In  a  letter 
she  speaks  of  them  as  'such  a  nation — such  a  numerous 
people — filjicg  such  a  place  in  the  world — and  Satan  appear* 
ing  in  no  common  degree  to  be  seeking  to  destroy  them; 
firs!,  by  infidelity  and  so-called  philosophy ;  secondly,  by  su- 
peibiition,  and  the  priesthood  rising  with  fresh  power  ;, 
thirdly,  by  an  extreme  love  of  the  world  and  its  pleasiures  ; 
fourthly  by  an  unsettled,  restless  and  warlike  spirit :  yet 
under  all  this  a  hidden  power  of  good  at  work  amongst 
them,  mapy  very  extraordinary  Cliiiodan  chanicters,  bright, 
sober,  zealous  Catholics  and  Protsstants  ;  education  increas- 
ing ;  the  Holy  Scriptures  mc.'3  read  and  valued ;  a  general 
stirring  to  improve  the  prisons  of  France — tlie  Government 
making  fresh  regulations  for  that  purpose — but  great  fear 
of  the  priests  prevailing,  from  the  pa.ace  downwards;  and 
they,  alas !  resisting  all  good  wherever  or  howevei*  it  may 
arise." 

The  Journal  continues : 

"  Upton  Lane,  Fourth  Mont/i,  27^/i.— Yesterday  was  tho 
largest  British  Society  meeting  I  avc.;  remember,  partly  col- 
lected to  hear  my  account  of  our  French  journey;  there 
must  have  been  some  hundreds  of  ladies  present,  many  of 
them  of  rank.  In  the  desire  not  to  say  too  rnush  perhaps  1 
said  too  little  upon  some  points.  Although  1  d.o  not  feel 
condemned,  yet  I  am  ready  to  think  if  I  hz.l  -..  aLuhed  and 
prayed  more  I  should  have  done  better.  My  prayers  havo 
arisen  that,  however  imperfectly  or  unworthily  sown  the  seed 
scattered  yesterday  may  be  so  prospered  by  His  own  frea 
pcwsr,  life  and  grace  that  it  may  bear  a  full  crop  to  His 
praise ! ' ' 


274 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


"20  «A. — To-morrow  I  am  fifty-eiglit,  an  advanced  period 
of  what  I  apprehend  to  be  not  a  very  common  pilgrimage. 
I  now  very  earnestly  desire  and  pray  that  my  Lord  may  guide 
me  continually,  cause  me  to  know  more  of  the  day  of  His 
power,  that  I  may  have  my  will  wholly  subjected  to  His 
will.  What  He  would  have  me  to  do  that  may  I  do,  where 
He  would  have  me  to  go,  there  may  I  go — what  He  may 
call  me  to  suffer  for  His  name's  sake  may  I  be  willing  to 
•suffer.  Fui'ther  may  He  keep  me  from  all  false  fears  and 
imaginations,  and  ever  preserve  me  from  putting  my  hand  to 
any  work  not  called  for  by  Him,  even  if  my  fellow-creatures 
press  me  into  it ;  as  I  think  some  ai'e  disposed  to  do  about 
America.  Be  pleased  to  gi'ant  these  my  desires  and  pray- 
ers for  Thine  own  Holy  and  Blessed  name's  sake." 

In  reference  to  what  called  forth  the  above  prayer  her 
daughters  remark :  "There  was  a  subject  at  this  time  weigh- 
ing heavily  upon  the  mind  of  Elizabeth  Fry  which  she 
turned  again  and  again  before  she  dare  dismiss  it ;  and 
then  it  was  more  that  other  calls  of  duty  appeared  immedi- 
ately required  of  her,  than  that  she  deliberately  abandoned 
the  idea.  Her  brother  Joseph  John  Gm-ney  was  pursuing 
/lis  labors  in  America  as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel ;  and  she 
doubted  whether  it  might  not  be  her  duty  to  cross  the  At- 
lantic, in  order  to  join  him  for  a  time  in  his  visits  in  the 
United  States,  and  to  accompany  him  to  the  West  Indies. 
There  were  those  who  thought  she  ought  to  go ;  *  but  on 

•  This  was  urged  from  the  belief  that  her  remarkable  power  as  a 
peace  maker  might  aid  ia  closing  the  breach  -which  had  recently  oo- 
curred  in  the  Society  of  Friends  in  America.  But  some  wlio  were  ac- 
quainted with  the  case  were  convinced  tnat  the  effort  would  have  been 
unavailing,  partly  from  tlie  extent  and  intensity  of  the  discord,  ancj 
partly  £rom  the  failure  of  British  Friends  fully  to  understand  all  the 


FIBST  AND  SECOND  VISITS  TO  THE  OONXINEIIT.  275 

the  other  hand  she  knew  how  entirely  it  would  be  against, 
not  only  the  wishes,  but  the  judgment  of  her  own  family. 
She  had  learned  to  trust  very  little  to  the  opinions  of 
any  of  her  fellow-mortals,  and  these  conflicting  views  only 
served  to  bring  her  in  deeper  dependence  and  more  entire 
self-resignation,  to  the  footstool  of  her  great  Master  to 
learn  His  vsdll,  that  she  might  fulfil  it.  Whilst  she  pon- 
dered these  things  a  strong  conviction  arose  in  her  heart 
that  there  was  a  present  duty  for  her  to  fulfil — once  more 
to  visit  Friends  and  then*  Meetings  in  North  Britain,  again 
to  inspect  the  prisons  there,  and  to  communicate  with  the 
magistrates  and  men  in  authority,  whilst  the  Bill  was  stUl 
pending  which  had  been  brought  before  the  House  the  pre- 
ceding Session  of  Paiiiament,  to  improve  prisons  and  prison 
discipline  in  Scotland." 

This  expedition  occupied  something  more  than  a  month 
and  resulted  in  much  benefit  to  the  cause  of  Prison  Reform, 
her  recommendations  being  received  with  great  considera- 
tion by  the  authorities,  and  often  speedily  put  into  practice. 
The  following  passage  exhibits  her  method  of  dealing  with 
difficult  points,  and  shows  the  discriminating  character  of 
her  mind. 

"  Mrs.  Fry  was  at  this  time  extremely  anxious  as  to  the  • 
extent  to  which  Prison  Discipline  was  carried  in  Scotland- 
She  greatly  feared  the  enforcement  of  sohtary  confinement, 
and  felt  it  her  duty  to  make  a  sort  of  appeal  against  its  pos- 
sible abuses. 

causes  of  the  division,  which  embraced  not  merely  points  of  doctrine 
but  the  principles  of  liberty  in  religious  association.  One  party  stood 
for  Orthodoxy  in  doctrine,  the  other  for  the  right  of  Christians  to  differ 
in  opinion,  and  each  was  on  too  strong  ground  to  be  easily  couviucod. 


m 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


"  She  had  therefore  invited  this  large  number  of  influen- 
tial gentlemen  whose  attention  had  been  given  to  the  sub- 
ject— magistrates,  lawyers,  members  of  the  Prison  Discipline 
Society,  and  others,  to  meet  her  on  this  occasion  (at  the 
Royal  Hotel  Edinburgh,) — an  appalling  audience,  as  they 
sat  all  round,  to  the  number  of  fifty.  She  gently  engaged 
in  conversation  with  some  who  were  seated  at  the  most  dis- 
tant part  of  the  room,  and  by  degrees  fell  into  an  account 
of  her  experience,  and  a  full  exposition  of  her  mind  on  the 
subject. 

"As  an  abstract  principle  she  doubted  the  right  of  man 
to  place  a  fellow-creature  under  cix'cumstances  of  such  mis- 
ery, if  his  offences  were  not  of  a  very  heinous  or  aggravated 
nature.  She  could  not  believe  that  it  was  accordant  with 
reason  or  religion  thus  to  isolate  a  being  intended  by  his 
Creator  for  social  life,  unless  necessary  for  the  safety  of  the 
community,  at  large ;  nor  did  she  consider  continued  soli- 
cude  as  the  best  method  of  reforming  the  offender.  Very 
many  hours,  she  thought,  might  be  passed  alone  with  ad- 
vantage, and  the  night  always ;  but  she  recognized  a  vast 
difference  between  useful  and  improving  reflection,  and  the 
imagination  dwelling  upon  past  guilt  or  prospective  evil. 
Her  conviction  was  that  with  the  greater  number  of  crimi- 
nals left  to  feed  upon  their  own  mental  resources,  the  latter 
state  of  mind  was  highly  probable,  the  former  very  unlikely. 
Confinement  that  secluded  from  the  vicious  but  allowed  of 
,  frequent  intercourse  with  sober,  well-conducted  persons 
would  have  been  in  her  view  perfect.  But  where  could 
funds  be  obtained  to  raise  the  prison,  or  maintain  its  disci- 
pline on  such  a  system  ?  Some  intercourse  for  a  few  hours 
daily  among  prisoners  carefully  classed,  diligently  employed, 
judiciously  instructed,  and  under  most  vigilant  and  unceas- 
ing superintendence,  with  the  remaining  hours  of  the  twenty- 
four  passed  in  separate,  but  not  gloomy  seclusion,  was,  in 
her  oi^inion,  the  best  and  most  likely  method  of  benefiting 
the  criminal  and  thus  eventually  diminishing  crime.  She 


PIBST  AND  SECOND  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  277 

shrank  from  the  abuses  to  which  the  solitary  system  is  liable. 
How  soon  might  the  cell  become  an  oubliette ;  how  short 
the  transition  from  kind  and  constant  attention  to  cruelty 
and  neglect ;  how  entirely  the  comfort,  nay,  the  existence  of 
a  prisoner,  must  depend  upon  his  keeper's  will ;  and  what 
was  human  nature  to  be  trusted  with  such  responsibility  ? 
With  an  active  magistracy,  a  zealous  clergyman,  and  carerul 
medical  attendant,  all  might  be  well ;  but  who  could  ensure 
the  continuance  of  these  advantages?  and  were  the  activity 
and  benevolence  of  the  present  day  to  pass  away  why  might 
not  the  slumber  of  indifference  again  cover  the  land?  " 

A  few  intereresting  extracts  from  the  Journal  of  Mi-s. 
Fry  after  her  return  from  Scotland,  will  give  an  idea  of  * 
how  her  time  was  employed  between  her  visits  abroad. 

Upton,  Ninth  Month,  2^th. — We  arrived  at  home  last 
Seventh-day,  and  to  my  great  comfort  I  found  all  my  family 
going  on  well  and  comfortably.  I  ventured  to  ask,  or  at 
least  to  desire,  if  my  goings  out  were  acceptable  to  the 
Lord,  and  if  I  were  to  be  called  to  further,  and  perhaps  to 
still  more  weighty  service,  that  I  might  find  the  blessing  of 
preservation  extended  to  those  most  dear  to  me  at  home,  as 
well  as  to  myself  in  going.  Through  mercy  this  sign  has 
been  rather  unusually  granted  me.  What  can  I  render 
unto  my  Lord  for  His  tender  and  unmerited  mercies? 

"  Tenth  Month,  IWi. — I  have  been  on  a  satisfactory  visit 
with  my  husband,  aud  partly  accompanied  by  Peter  Bed- 
ford and  John  Hodgskin,  to  (-i-o^c.cn  aoj  IfielJ.  Our 
Meeting  in  bi-ssex  was  a  •'•fry  satisfactory  one,  and  a 
reading  we  had  next  morning  at  a  cottage  on  the  common, 
belonging  to  a  dear  Friend  where  we  hait  oeen  before.  The 
libraries  we  estabished  aj)pear  to  have  been  much  read  and 
valued.  It  is  cause  for  much  thankfulness  to  find  that  our 
labor  has  not  been  m  vain  in  the  Lord.  How  sweet  are 
His  mercies!    May  all  become  His  servants  saith  my  soul  I 


278 


ELIZABETH  FB7. 


"I  have  also  left  home,  accompanied  by  my  beloved  hus» 
band,  and  my  sister  Elizabeth  to  visit  a  few  meetings  in 
Essex. 

"  Twelfth  Month,  %th. — This  morning  I  deeply  feel  the 
seriousness  of  laying  before  my  Monthly  Meeting  my  belief 
that  it  may  be  my  duty  again  to  visit  France  and  some  other 
pai'ts  of  the  Continent  of  Eui'ope.  It  is  after  much  v?eighty 
consideration  that  I  have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  it  is 
right  to  do  this.  I  have  long  thought  that  this  summer  my 
course  mighc  be  either  to  my  dearest  brother  Joseph  in 
America,  or  to  the  Continent  of  Europe ;  after  much  weigh- 
ing it  I  have  believed  the  latter  to  be  the  right  opening 
for  me. 

"  l^th. — Yesterday,  excepting  our  dear  F  and  R  

C  ,  all  our  beloved  children  dined  with  us.    It  really 

was  to  me  a  beautiful  sight.  Sixteen  round  our  table,  happy 
in  each  other,  a  strong  tie  of  love  amidst  the  brothers  and 
sisters,  and  much  united  to  us,  their  father  and  mother.  1 
felt  the  occasion  serious  as  well  as  sweet,  and  very  earnestly 
prayed  to  the  Lord,  that  I  might  be  vei-y  faithful  if  He 
called  me  to  any  religious  service  amongst  them,  whether  it 
were  to  pray  for  them  or  speak  to  them  of  EQs  goodness. 
When  the  cloth  was  removed  after  dinner,  I  believed  it  my 
duty  to  kneel  down  and  very  fervently  to  pray  and  to  return 
thanks  to  my  God  for  all  these  most  tenderly  beloved  ones. 
Great  help  and  deliverance  has  been  granted  to  some  of 
our  cii'cle  ;  the  Lord  has  been  very  gTacious ;  He  has  added 
to  our  number  and  not  diminished  them.    .    .  . 

"  After  this  solemn  time  thkteen  of  our  sweet  dear  gi'and- 
childi'en  came  in.  We  passed  an  evening  of  uncommon  en- 
joyment, cheerful,  yet  sober,  lively  yet  sensible  of  the  bless- 
ing and  peace  of  our  Lord  being  with  us.  I  seldom  if  ever 
remember  so  bright  a  family  meeting ;  it  reminded  me  oi 
our  Earlham  days ;  but  I  could  not  but  feel  it  a  blessing 
when  a  mother  as  well  as  a  father  is  spaied  to  watch  their 


FIBST  AND  SECOND  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  279 

family  grow  up  and  prosper,  and  to  see  and  enjoy  their  chil- 
di-en's  childi-en. 

"When  I  remember  all  that  I  have  passed  through  on 
their  account;  above  all  the  exquisite  anxiety  about  their 
spiritual  vrelfare,  and  now  so  far  to  see  what  the  Lord  has 
done  for  me  and  for  them,  what  can  I  say  ?  What  can  I 
do  ?  Ought  I  not  to  leave  them  all  to  His  most  holy  keep- 
ing, and  no  longer  'toil  and  spin'  so  much  for  them? 

'■^  First  Month,  12iA. — I  returned  from  Lynn  last  eveniag. 
I  was  a  good  deal  with  my  beloved  sister  Catherine  who 
was  there.  Before  parting  we  had  a  deeply  interesting 
time  together,  when  the  spirit  of  prayer  was  remarkably 
poured  forth  upon  us.  I  prayed  for  them  each  separately, 
and  I  believe  that  access  was  in  mercy  granted  to  the 
Throne  of  Grace.  My  dearest  sister  offered  a  solemn  prayer 
for  us  before  we  rose  from  om*  knees.  I  felt  as  I  have  often 
done,  an  earnest  desire  that  we  may  none  be  in  spuitual 
bonds.  I  think  Satan  in  hardly  any  way  mars  the  Lord's 
work  more  than  in  putting  persons  in  the  stiff  bonds  of 
high-chui'chism.  He  attacks  all  professors  in  this  way,  and 
leads  them  to  rest  in  their  sectarianism  rather  than  their 
Chiistianity.  I  do  not  mean  that  this  was  the  case  with 
those  I  was  amongst,  but  I  see  in  it  a  frightful  bait  thrown 
out  to  all  professors  of  all  denominations.  Few  things  I 
more  earnestly  desire  than  unity  in  the  Church  of  Christ, 
and  that  all  partition  walls  may  be  broken  down.  Lord, 
liasten  the  coming  of  that  day,  for  Thine  own  name's  sake!" 

In  order  to  raise  money  for  the  numerous  demands  on 
the  British  Society,  Mis.  Fry  resolved,  with  the  consent  of 
her  friends,  upon  having  a  public  sale — or  what  we  call  a 
Fair.   It  is  thus  spoken  of. 

"Paris,  Third  Month,  11th. — Before  leaving  home  we 
were  much  occupied  by  a  very  large  sale  for  the  British 


2S0 


ELIZABETH  FSy. 


Society  held  in  Crosby  Hall.  I  felt  it  an  exercising  time 
lest  any  should  be  exposed  to  temptation  by  it,  and  I  see 
tLat  there  are  two  sides  to  the  question  respecting  these 
sales,  as  there  is  an  exposure  in  it  that  may  prove  injurious 
to  some.  However,  I  think  I  saw  in  this  instance  many 
favorable  results,  and  particularly  in  the  kind  and  capital 
help  my  children  gave  me  in  it,  and  the  way  in  which  it  oc- 
cupied them.  One  day  I  had  fifteen  children  and  several 
grandchildren  helping  me  to  sell.  A  sweet  and  Christian 
spu-it  appeared  to  reign  in  the  room.  There  were  more 
than  a  thousand  pounds  obtained  by  it,  clear  of  all  expenses, 
which  will  be  a  great  help  to  the  British  Society.  The 
marks  of  kindness  shown  me  by  numbers,  in  the  things  sent 
to  the  sale,  were  very  encouraging  to  me.  My  brothers 
and  sisters,  my  nephews  and  nieces  were  also  very  kind 
in  aiding  me  in  many  ways." 

The  second  journey  to  the  Continent  was  commenced  on 
the  11th  of  Mai-ch,  1839.  She  was  accompanied  by  Josiah 
Forster,  as  on  the  previous  visit,  and  also  by  her  husband 
and  one  of  her  daughters;  the  youngest  son  was  to  join 
them  in  Paris. 

The  former  visit  had  been  a  kind  of  seed-sowing.  This  time 
on  her  arrival  at  Boulogne,  many  came  to  seek  her  and  to 
welcome  her  to  their  shores,  and  she  was  soon  besieged  by 
persons  in  the  humbler  ranks  of  society  asking  to  be  sup- 
pUed  with  Testaments,  tracts,  &c.  Some  had  lent  what 
they  had  received  before  to  friends  going  into  the  country 
and  could  not  get  them  again.  At  the  Hotel  at  Abbeville 
"those  to  whom  she  had  given  them  on  her  previous  visit, 
begged  for  more,  and  came  creeping  up  to  her  apartments 
to  prefer  their  request.  Her  Text-books  were  the  favorites. 
In  the  morning  the  people  of  the  Hotel  gathered  round 


FIEST  AND  SECOND  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  281 

her.  The  First-day  that  she  had  spent  there  on  her  former 
visit  to  Paris — the  reading  they  had  in  the  evening — the 
prayer  she  had  offered  for  them,  had  made  a  deep  impres- 
sion. They  beguiled  her  into  the  kitchen  where  she  told 
them,  in  broken  French — which,  however,  they  contrived  to 
understand — a  little  of  her  wishes  for  them  as  to  faith  and 
practice.    Then  all  would  shake  hands  with  her." 

Another  month  was  spent  in  Paris  revisiting  the  places 
previously  inspected  and  holding  philanthrophic  and  relig- 
ious meetings.  The  former  of  these  appear  to  have  been 
held  as  a  ki  nd  of  weekly  Keception. 

"Last  evening  about  a  hundred  persons  spent  the  even- 
ing with  us.  The  subject  of  prisons  was  brought  forward — 
Newgate,  &c.  I  endeavored  to  show  the  state  of  prisons 
formerly,  and  many  of  their  impx'ovements.  But  above  all 
to  inculcate  Christian  principle  as  the  only  sure  means  of 
improving  practice.  I  sought  in  every  way,  in  the  cases 
brought  forward,  to  uphold  the  value  of  the  Scriptures,  and 
to  show  the  blessed  results  of  faith  and  repentance.  We 
finished  by  reading  in  a  solemn  manner  the  15th  of  Luke 
as  the  chapter  so  gi-eatly  blessed  to  poor  prisoners.  I  made 
little  comment,  there  was  very  great  solemnity  over  us. 
There  were  Catholics  and  Protestants  and  I  believe  some  of 
the  Greek  Church.  There  were  Greeks,  lonians,  Spaniards, 
a  Pole,  Italians,  Germans,  English,  Americans  and  French 
— several  of  the  English  and  French,  persons  of  rank;  the 
Marquis  de  Brignolles,  Sardinian  IVIinister,  and  Prince 
Czartorinsky.  Thus  the  week  has  run  away !  may  it  have 
been  for  the  real  good  of  others,  and  the  glory  of  God." 

"  Paris,  list. — I  feel  that  under  a  lively  sense  of  peace  and 
rest  of  soul,  I  may  record  the  mercies  of  the  Lord  this  week. 

"  Our  First-day  was  very  satisfactory,  a  large  Meeting; 
five  of  om-  childi-en  with  us.  (Several  of  her  family  spent  a 
few  days  in  Paris  at  this  time.) 


282 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


"  I  had  a  very  serious,  interesting,  and  intimate  eonTersa> 
tion  with  the  Duchess  of  Orleans. 

"  I  visited  and  attended  to  some  prisons,  formed  a  Ladies' 
Society  to  visit  Protestants  in  prisons  and  hospitals,  met  a 
very  influential  company  at  dinner  at  Lord  Granville's,  much 
interesting  conversation  in  the  evening ;  the  same  twice  at 
Baron  Pelet's,  and  we  had  an  agreeable  dinner  at  Lord  Wil- 
ham  Bentincks.  I  have  paid  some  very  interesting  private 
calls,  spent  one  morning  with  my  children ;  om-  great  phil- 
anthropic evening  lai'gely  attended — about  about  a  hundi-ed 
and  forty  present.  Josiah  Forster  gave  a  concentrated  ac- 
count of  our  former  evenings,  and  added  other  things  very 
agreeably.  I  strongly  impressed  upon  them  the  extreme 
importance  of  the  influence  of  the  higher  upon  the  lower 
classes  of  society,  by  their  example  and  precept ;  mentioned 
late  hours,  theatres,  and  other  evils.  Then  advised — giving 
the  poor,  Christian  education ;  reading  the  Holy  Scriptures 
in  then*  families ;  lending  Libraries ;  District  Societies,  and 
other  objects.  We  finished  with  a  very  solemn  Scripture 
reading,  the  greater  part  of  the  third  chapter  of  Colossians 
and  the  20th  and  21st  verses  of  the  last  chapter  of  the  Epis- 
tle to  the  Hebrews,  'Now  the  God  of  peace  that  brought 
again  from  the  dead  our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd 
of  the  sheep,  through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant, 
make  you  perfect  in  every  good  work  to  do  His  wi",  work- 
ing in  you  that  which  is  well  pleasing  in  His  sight,  through 
Jesus  Christ,  to  whom  be  glory  forever  and  ever.  Amen." 

"  Previous  to  reading  this  I  had  expres'--  I  some  solemn 
parting  truths  and  oui*  party  broke  up  iu  aiuch  love  and 
peace. 

"On  Fifth  day  we  dined  with  some  sweet,  spuitual  and 
delightful  people,  the  de  Presenses  and  de  Valcours-;  in  the 
evening  to  Mark  Wilke's  to  meet  a  very  large  par  ty  of  min- 
isters from  different  parts  of  France  come  to  attend  the 
Meetings  of  the  various  Societies. 

Fontainbleau,  28iA.    The  day  before  oui-  departure 


FIBST  AND  SECOND  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  283 

from  Paris  we  visited  the  Piefet  de  Police,  took  in  our  re- 
port of  the  state  of  the  prisons,  and  obtained  leave  for  the 
Protestant  ladies  to  visit  the  Protestant  prisoners ;  we  had 
much  interesting  conversation.  We  have  the  great  satisfac- 
tion of  heai'ing  that  a  law  is  likely  to  pass  for  women  prison- 
ers throughout  France  to  be  under  the  care  of  women. 

"In  the  evening,  and  during  the  day,  numbers  came  to 
take  leave  of  us ;  a  good  many  Greeks  who  appeared  to  feel 
much  interest  in  and  for  us,  as  if  oiu'  labors  with  them  had 
not  been  in  vain." 

Before  leaving  Paris  Mrs.  Fry  was  furnished  with  a  letter 
from  the  Minister  of  the  Interior,  granting  her,  Josiah  Fors- 
ter  and  her  husband,  permission  to  visit  all  the  prisons  in 
France.  This  insui'ed  them  every  respect  and  attention 
on  their  further  journey.  They  proceeded,  with  a  few  stops 
to  Lyons  where  "there  was  a  great  press  of  engagements 
— prisons  and  refuges  to  inspect,  besides  many  schools  of 
which  I  had  time  to  visit  only  one,  a  woman's  adult  school." 

In  a  letter  to  her  children  written  from  Nismes,  May  12th, 
she  says : — 

"We  paid  a  very  interesting  visit  to  Lyons  and  found  a 
good  deal  new  in  the  prisons  and  Refuges.  An  order  oi 
Catholics,  called  the  'Brethren  and  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,' 
believe  it  their  duty  to  take  care  of  prisoners  and  criminals 
generally.  They  do  not  visit  as  we  do,  but  take  the  entile 
part  of  turnkeys  and  prison-officers,  and  live  with  the  pris- 
oners night  and  day,  constantly  caring  for  them.  I  thought 
the  effect  on  the  female  prisoners  surprisingly  good,  as  far 
as  their  influence  extended.  But  the  mixture  of  gross  su- 
perstition is  curious,  the  image  of  the  Virgin  di'essed  up  ia 
the  finest  manner  in  their  different  wards.  I  feared  that  their 
religion  lay  so  much  in  form  and  ceremonies  that  it  led  from 
heart  work  and  from  that  great  change  which  would  proba* 


ELIZABETH  FRT. 


bly  be  produced  did  these  sisters  simply  teach  them  Chiis- 
tianity.  Their  books  appeal  ed  to  be  mostly  about  the  Vir- 
gin ;  not  a  sign  of  Scripture  to  be  found  in  either  prison  or 
refuge.  I  felt  it  laid  upon  me  as  a  weighty,  yet  humbling 
duty,  before  I  left  Lyons,  to  invite  Eonian  Catholics  and 
Protestants  who  had  influence  in  the  prisons,  to  come  to  our 
Hotel,  and  there,  in  Christian  love,  to  tell  them  the  truth,  to 
the  best  of  my  belief,  as  the  only  real  ground  of  reformation 
of  heart,  and  the  means  likely  to  conduce  to  this  end.  It 
was  the  more  fearful,  as  I  had  to  be  entirely  interpreted  for. 
My  heart  almost  sank  within  me  as  the  time  approached. 
It  was  about  three  o'clock  in  the  day;  about  sixty  people 
came  of  the  very  influential  Catholics  and  Protestants  and  I 
was  enabled,  through  a  most  excellent  interpreter,  to  show 
them  that  nothing  but  the  pure  simple  truth,  as  revealed  in 
Scriptm'e,  through  the  power  of  the  lioly  Spirit,  could 
really  enlighten  the  understanding,  or  change  the  heart. 
My  husband  and  Josiah  Forster  als )  took  a  very  useful  and 
valuable  part.  Much  satisfaction  was  expressed.  We  after- 
wards diued  at  a  gentleman's  who  lived  in  a  lovely  situation 
on  the  top  of  a  hill  near  Lyons.  Our  invitations  began  to 
flow  in,  and  we  should,  I  doubt  not,  had  we  staid  longer, 
soon  have  been  in  as  great  a  current  as  at  Paris,  or  greater. 
We  met  with  some  very  interesting,  devoted  Christian 
characters — a  cousin  of  the  Baroness  Pelet's,  almost  like 
herself;  her  notes  and  flowers  coming  in  every  morning. 
The  last  day  was  most  fatiguing ;  we  had  to  rise  soon  after 
three  in  the  morning  for  Avignon,  to  go  a  hundied  and 
fifty  miles  down  the  Rhone. 

"  We  have  passed  through  the  most  delightful  country  I 
ever  saw.  Lyons,  with  the  Rhone  and  Saone,  is,  in  its  en- 
vu'ons,  beautiful,  and  the  passage  from  Lyons  to  Avignon 
really  lovely ;  mountains  in  the  distance,  (parts  of  the  Alps,) 
their  tops  covered  with  snow ;  vegetation  in  perfection,  the 
flowers  of  spring  and  summer  in  bloom  at  once,  grass  just 
ready  to  be  cut,  barley  in  the  eai,  lilacs,  laburnums,  syr- 


PIBST  AND  SECOND  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT. 


285 


ingas,  roses,  pinks,  carnations,  acacias  in  full  bloom,  yellow 
jessamine  wild  in  the  hedges.  It  is  a  sudden  burst  of  the 
finest  summer  combined  with  the  freshness  of  spring.  The 
olive  groves  intermixed  with  abundant  vineyards  and  mul- 
berry groves,  all  beautiful  from  their  freshness.  The  an- 
cient buildings  of  Avignon,  the  ruins  on  the  banks  of  the 
Ehone,  the  very  fine  and  wonderful  remains  or  the  Eoman 
aqueduct,  called  the  Pont  du  Gard,  really  exceed  descrip- 
tion." 

The  travelers  found  at  Nismes,  and  in  the  neighboring 
villages  a  scattered  body  of  people  professing  the  principles 
of  the  Society  of  Friends.  "  This  simple,  but  interesting 
body  of  people  are  the  descendants  of  the  Camisards,  -who 
took  refuge  in  the  mountains  of  the  Cevennes  during  the 
persecutions  subsequent  to  the  revocation  of  the  Edict  of 
Nantes."  At  Congenies  the  inhabitants  were  almost  all 
Friends — a  kind  and  religious  people.  They  regularly  at- 
tended meetings  with  them,  and  the  last  meeting  waa 
crowded,  the  people  clustering  "to  the  top  of  the  doors,  ia 
all  the  open  windows,  and  on  the  walls  outside,  yet  in  per- 
fect quietude  and  order." 

After  visiting  Marseilles,  Toulon,  and  Aix,  where  many 
important  objects  called  for  attention,  including  the  galley- 
slaves,  the  travelers  returned  in  June  to  Nismes. 

Sixth  Month. — Our  First-day  at  Nismes  was  deeply 
weighty  in  prospect,  so  that  I  rested  little  that  night,  as  I 
bad  ventured  to  propose  our  holding  one  Meeting  in  the 
morning  in  the  Methodist  chapel,  that  whosoever  liked  might 
attend  it ;  and  in  the  evening  to  do  the  same  in  a  very  large 
school  room,  that  all  classes  might  attend,  as  I  believed 
that  all  would  not  come  to  a  Methodist  Meeting-house.  I 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


went  prostrated  before  the  Lord  to  this  Meeting  in  the 
morning,  hardly  knowing  how  to  hold  up  my  head.  I  could 
only  apply  for  help  to  the  inexhaustible  Som-ce  of  our  sure 
mercies,  feeling  that  I  could  not  do  it  either  on  account 
of  myself,  or  because  it  was  the  work  in  which  I  was  en- 
gaged; but  I  could  do  it  for  the  sake  of  my  Lord,  and  that 
His  kingdom  might  spread.  Utterly  unworthy  did  I  feel 
myself ;  but  my  Lord  was  gracious.  My  dear  interpreter, 
Christine  Majolier,  was  there  to  help  me  in  a  very  large 
Meeting,  and  I  felt  power  wonderfully  given  me  to  proclaim 
the  truths  of  the  Gospel,  and  to  press  the  point  of  the  Lord 
Himself  being  our  teacher,  immediately  by  His  Spirit,  and 
through  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  by  His  providences  and 
works,  and  to  show  that  no  teaching  so  much  conduced  to 
growth  in  grace  as  the  Lord's  teaching.  There  was  much 
attention ;  at  the  close  I  felt  the  spiiit  of  prayer  much  over 
us,  longed  for  its  vocal  expression,  and  felt  a  desu-e  that 
some  one  might  pray,  when  a  Methodist  minister,  in  a  feel- 
ing manner  expressed  a  wish  to  offer  something  in  prayer, 
to  which  we,  of  course,  assented.  It  proved  solemn  and 
Batisfactory. 

"We  dined  at  our  dear  friend,  the  Pasteur  Emilien 
Frossard's ;  he  and  his  wife  have  been  like  a  brother  and 
Bister  to  us.  We  were  also  joined  by  a  Roman  Catholic 
gentleman  who  has,  I  think,  been  seriously  impressed  by 
our  visit,  and  it  has  led  him  to  have  the  Scriptures  read  to 
his  workmen.  Thei-e  were  also  Louis  Majolier,  his  daugh- 
ter, and  a  young  English  friend.  I  think  I  have  very  sel- 
dom in  my  life  felt  a  more  lively  sense  of  the  love  of  God 
than  at  this  table.  I  may  say  our  souls  were  animated 
under  its  sweetness ;  I  think  we  rejoiced  together,  and  mag- 
nified the  name  of  om'  God. 

"In  the  evening  we  met  in  a  large  school-room  that  would 
contain  some  hundieds,  where  numbers  assembled,  princi- 
pally the  French  protestants  and  some  of  theii-  pastors. 
There  again  I  was  greatly  helped,  I  really  believe,  by  the 


FIKST  AND  SECOND  VISITS  TO  THB  CONTINENT.  287 

Holy  Spirit  to  speak  to  them  upon  their  important  situa- 
tions in  the  Church  of  Christ,  and  the  extreme  consequence 
of  their  being  sound  both  in  faith  and  practice.  I  also  felt 
it  my  duty  to  show  them,  as  Protestants,  the  infinite  impor- 
tance, not  only  in  France,  but  in  the  surrounding  nations, 
of  their  being  'as  a  city  set  upon  a  hill  that  cannot  be  hid.' 
I  showed  them  how  the  truth  is  spreading  and  how  impor- 
tant to  promote  it,  being  preachers  of  righteousness  in  life 
and  conversation,  as  well  as  in  word  and  doctrine.  There 
was  here  also  much  attention ;  and  our  dear  and  valued 
friend  and  brother  in  Christ,  Emilien  Frossard,  prayed 
beautifully  that  the  word  spoken  might  profit  the  people, 
and  particularly  that  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  might  rest 
upon  me.  It  was  no  common  prayer  on  my  behalf. 
Thanks  to  my  Heavenly  Father,  the  Meeting  broke  up  in 
much  love,  life  and  peace." 

Another  meeting  was  held  the  next  morning  at  the  village 
of  Codognan.    Her  account  then  continues: 

"  After  this  we  proceeded  to  ilontpelier  where  important 
service  opened  for  us.  A  Protestant  Ladies  Committee 
was  formed  to  visit  the  great  Female  Prison  there ;  much 
important  advice  offered  to  the  Governor,  upon  the  charges 
now  being  made  in  the  prison,  and  female  officei-s  being  ap- 
pointed. We  appeared  to  go  in  the  vei-y  time  wanted,  and 
obtained  the  liberation  of  several  poor  women  from  their 
very  sad  cells.  The  Prefet  was  most  kind  to  us,  and  thus 
oar  way  was  easily  made:  the  Mayor  and  all  with  us.  Help 
was  given  me  to  speak  rehgiously  to  the  poor  women  before 
all  these  gentlemen." 

'•We  proceeded  from  place  to  place  until  we  arrived  at 
Toulouse,  on  Seventh-day  evening,  the  16th  of  the  Sixth 
Month.  On  First-day  evening  we  met  a  large  number  ot 
Protestants  at  one  of  theii-  Scripture  readings.  We  took 
part  in  the  service.    At  the  close  a  solemn  prayer  was 


288 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


offered  for  us  by  Francis  Courtois,  one  of  a  very  remavkablo 
trio  of  brothers,  (bankers  there,)  all  three  of  whom  are 
given  up  to  the  service  of  their  Lord,  and  appear  to  have 
been  instruments  greatly  blessed.  Their  kindness  to  us 
was  very  great.  Jii  Toulouse  we  visited  two  prisons,  had 
one  important  prison  Meeting  and  one  exceedingly  solemn 
and  satisfactory  Scripture  reading  and  time  of  prayer  with 
the  Coui-tois  family,  one  or  two  pasteurs,  and  other  relig- 
ious persons." 

She  next  went  to  Montauban,  the  place  where  the  minis- 
ters of  the  Protestant  Church  of  France  were  educated. 
Here  "without  expressing  any  other  wish  than  to  have  an 
evening  party  at  one  of  their  houses,  to  meet  some  of  the 
professors  and  students  of  the  College,  (ths  oaly  one  in 
France  for  educating  pasteurs  of  the  Keformecl  Church,)  we 
found,  to  our  dismay,  all  arranged  to  receive  us  in  the  Col- 
lege ;  and  on  arriving  there  imagine  how  I  felt  when  the 
Dean  of  the  College  ofeiod  me  his  arm  to  take  me  into  the 
chapel.  There  I  beiiev-e  the  whole  of  the  collegians  were 
assembled,  in  all  at  levrui  a  hundi'ed.  It  was  fearful  work. 
There  were  also  numbers  of  the  people  of  the  town,  we 
thought  about  three  hundied.  Josiah  Forster  spoke  first, 
explaining  our  views  at  some  length.  Then  I  rose  with  an 
excellent  interpreter,  one  of  their  pasiears.  I  first  told  them 
something  of  my  prison  experience,  arid  '.iie  povrer  of  Chris- 
tian principle  and  kindness;  then  I  rel:..ed  a  little  of  the 
state  of  their  prisons  in  France ;  then  my  ideas  as  to  the 
general  state  of  France ;  and  afterwards  endeavored  to  bring 
home  to  them  the  extreme  importance  of  their  calling  as 
pasteurs  in  their  Chmxh.  I  reminded  them  of  that  passage 
of  Scripture  '  the  leaders  of  the  people  caused  them  to  err. 


FIBST  AND  SECOND  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT. 


289 


I  endeavored  to  show  them  how  awful  such  a  state  of  things 
must  be,  and  the  extreme  importance  of  their  being  sound 
in  doctrine  and  practice." 

"Simple  duty  led  me  to  Montauban.  We  were  united  in 
much  Christian  love  to  many  there.  I  forgot  to  say  that  at 
the  close  of  the  occasion  the  pasteur  who  interpreted  for 
me  prayed  beautifully  and  spiritually  that  the  words  spoken 
might  profit  the  people ;  he  also  prayed  for  us.  This  has- 
frequently  occurred  at  the  close  of  some  of  our  interesting; 
Meetings  ;  a  pouiing  forth  of  the  spirit  of  prayer  has  beea 
granted.  My  not  knowing  the  language  has  obstructed  my 
offering  it,  and  it  has  appeared  laid  upon  others  instead.  I 
have  seldom  felt  sweeter  peace  in  leaving  a  place  than  Mon- 
tauban." 

Constant  exertion,  together  with  the  heat  of  the  climate, 
had  now  affected  Mrs.  Fry's  health  so  that  her  husband 
strongly  urged  their  turning  aside  for  a  brief  rest  in  the 
cooler  atmosphere  of  the  Pyrenees.  But  wherever  she 
went  she  scattered  the  seeds  of  the  Kingdom,  in  words  of 
kindness,  and  in  Bibles,  text-books  and  tracts.  Having 
some  Scripture  extracts  in  Spanish,  when  they  went  over 
the  line,  she  gave  them  to  the  peasants,  or  left  them  at  the 
cottages,  and  even  in  the  manger  of  a  cow-house — having 
heard  that  the  Spaniards,  including  the  priests,  were  eager 
for  books,  and  carefully  preserved  them. 

She  also  employed  her  rest  in  preparing  a  "  memorial  of 
considerable  length,  with  the  aid  of  her  companions,  for 
the  Minister  of  the  Interior,  and  a  shorter  one  for  the  Pre- 
fect of  Police,  eipbodying  her  observations  on  the  state  of 
the  prisons  which  she  had  inspected  and  her  recommenda- 
tions for  their  improvement." 


290 


ELIZABETH  FBV. 


Thus  refreshed  the  little  party  hastened  backward 
through  the  south  of  France  and  turned  their  steps  to- 
ward Switzerland.  At  Bonigen,  near  Interlachen,  she 
wi'ites,  August,  11th. 

"  I  believe  that  my  gracious  Lord  has  guided  our  steps 
to  this  place ;  blessed  be  His  name.  At  Grenoble,  where  I 
felt  rather  pressed  in  spirit  to  spend  a  First-day,  I  had  a 
curious  opening  for  religious  service,  and  I  believe  an  im- 
portant one,  with  several  enlightened  Eoman  Catholics,  sev- 
«ial  Protestants,  and  a  school  of  girls.  It  was  a  time  of 
spuitual  refreshment  by  which  many  appeared  helped  and 
comforted.  The  next  day  was  occupied  in  important  prison 
visits,  and  in  the  eveniug  a  Meeting  with  influential  Boman 
Catholics. 

"  Josiah  Forster  having  left  us  to  go  by  diligence  to  Gen- 
eva, we  traveled  alone  through  Savoy,  and  had  a  pleasant 
journey  through  a  lovely  country  ;  but  the  darkness  of  the 
Ivoman  Catholic  religion,  and  the  arbitrary  laws,  not  allow- 
ing even  a  tract  to  be  given  away,  were  painful;  we  found 
that  a  Swiss  gentlemen  had  lately  been  imprisoned  for  doing 
it,  and  confined  with  a  thief.  We  aiTived  at  Geneva  the 
2oth  of  the  seventh  month  in  the  evening.  Here  we  passed 
a  vei'y  interesting  time,  from  various  and  important  open- 
ings for  religious  service  in  large  parties,  in  prisons,  &c.  My 
be-ief  is  that  we  were  sent  to  that  place,  and  amidst  some 
trials  from  different  causes,  there  was  a  pouring  forth  of 
spiritual  help  and  spuitual  peace.  Many  of  the  pasteurs 
came  to  us  and  not  a  few  expressed  their  refreshment  and 
satisfaction  with  our  visit.  Before  we  left,  several  of  the 
most  spiritual  in  a  very  striking  and  beautiful  manner 
preached  to  us,  particularly  to  myself,  and  prayed  for  us 
all ;  a  time  I  think  never  to  be  forgotten  by  us.  We  had 
one  of  the  most  beautiful  entertainments  I  ever  saw,  given 
by  Colonel  Tronchin  at  a  lovely  place  a  few  miles  from  Gen- 
eva, the  fine  snowy  mountains  about  us,  the  lake  within 


FIRST  AND  SECOND  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  291 

sight.  In  an  avenue  in  the  midst  of  a  fine  wood  we  had  a 
handsome  repast  to  which  about  a  hundi'ed  persons  sat 
down.  The  gentleman  who  gave  it  is  a  devoted  Christian, 
a  man  of  large  property  and  this  blessing  sanctified  by 
grace.  I  visited  a  delightful  institution  for  the  sick  of  his 
establishment  on  his  grounds.  To  return  to  our  entertain- 
ment, grace  was  very  solemnly  said  before  our  meal,  and 
very  beautiful  hymn- singing  afterwards.  Then  withdrew 
into  the  house  where  I  believe  the  anointing  was  poured 
forth  upon  me  to  speak  the  truth  in  love  and  power.  I  had 
an  excellent,  spiritually-minded  interpreter,  (Professor  La 
Harpe):  many  apparently  felt  this  occasion.  A  young  Eng- 
lish gentleman  came  up  to  me  afterwards  and  expressed  his 
belief  that  it  would  influence  him  for  life ;  and  a  lady  came 
to  me  and  said  how  remarkably  her  state  had  been  spoken 
to.  Much  love  was  also  shown  to  us,  and  unity.  Indesd  1 
felt  how  our  Lord  permits  his  servants  to  rejoice  together 
in  love ;  and  even  to  partake  of  the  good  things  of  this  life 
in  His  love  and  fear,  with  a  subjected  spirit  rejoicing  in  His 
mercies,  temporal  and  spiritual.  We  had  very  great  kind- 
ness also  shown  to  us  by  many,  amongst  others  by  our  dear 
friend  Mary  Ann  Vernet  and  her  family,  including  her 
daughter,  the  Baroness  de  Stael,  with  whom  we  dined  at 
Cappet.  The  Duke  de  Broglie  and  his  family  were  with 
her ;  we  had  a  very  interesting  visit.  We  went  from  Gen- 
eva to  our  dear  friend  Sophia  Delesserts ;  her  husband  was 
out ;  they  have  a  beautiful  place  on  the  banks  of  the  Lake 
of  Geneva,  near  Kolle ;  here  we  had  the  warmest  reception, 
and  were  refreshed  and  comforted  togethei ;  she  is  truly 
loved  by  ma." 

The  following  description  of  an  evening  at  the  beautiful 
residence  of  Colonel  Tronchin,  at  Besemge,  where  more  than 
a  hundred  persons  were  gathered,  is  from  the  pen  of  a  young 
student,  afterwards  Secretary  of  the  "Belgian  Societe 
Evangelique." 


292 


EtIZABETH  FRT. 


"We  had  half  expected  a  philosophical  discourse  upon 
subjects  of  philanthropic  and  general  interest,  but  every- 
thing that  fell  from  her  lips  was  characterized  by  delicacy, 
extreme  simplicity,  and  an  ardent  desire  to  draw  our  atten- 
tion to  our  own  happiness,  in  being  permitted  the  oppor- 
tunity for  meditation  on  the  one  subject  which  seemed 
always  present  in  her  thoughts,  Christ  Jesus,  crucified  for 
the  expiation  of  our  sins.  At  this  distance  of  time  I  have 
an  actual  realization  of  the  opening  of  her  exhortation.  'I 
think,'  said  she,  'it  is  impossible  for  us  to  be  more  profita- 
bly employed  than  by  occupying  the  next  few  moments 
with  the  contemplation  of  the  love  which  the  Lord  Jesus 
has  for  us.'  The  rooms  were  full  to  overflowing;  my  fellow- 
students  and  I  took  up  our  places  in  the  passage,  on  the 
stair-case,  crowded  round  the  open  door,  eagerly  hanging 
on  such  parts  of  the  beautiful  exhortation  as  we  could  catch 
by  the  most  breathless  attention ;  after  she  had  concluded 
she  kindly  came  out  amongst  us  and  expressed  her  regret 
that  we  should  have  been  so  inconvenienced.  I  can  see  her 
now,  her  tall  figure  leaning  on  Colonel  Tronchin's  arm, 
M.  La  Harpe  at  her  side,  her  dignified,  animated,  yet  soft- 
ened countenance  bending  towards  us.  I  can  never  forget 
it.  Such  occasions  are  rare  in  life,  they  are  very  green  spots 
in  the  garden  of  memory — more,  they  are  opportunities 
given  for  improvement,  solemnly  increasing  the  responsi- 
bility of  each  who  participate  in  them.  May  I  never  lose 
the  impression  of  that  day  at  Beseinge,  nor  the  holy  lessons 
I  there  heard  and  learnt." 

After  leaving  Geneva  the  travelers  went  to  Lausanne, 
Berne,  Thun,  Grindel,  Brienz,  Bonigen,  and  Zurich,  in 
Switzerland,  scattering  everywhere  the  seeds  of  peace, 
kindness  and  reform.  The  following  incident,  is  illustrative 
of  Mrs.  Fry's  peculiar  gifts  as  a  peacemaker. 

"Whilst  at  Bonigen,  Herr  IVIitchell,  the  landlord  of  the 


FIBST  AND  SECOND  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  293 

little  inn,  and  his  family,  attended  their  First-day  evening 
readings.  On  one  of  these  occasions  a  peasant  girl  was 
with  them  who  appeared  pious  and  afflicted ;  her  name  was 
Madelina  Kauss.  She  came  from  a  neighboring  village  to 
seek  counsel  of  Elizabeth  Fry.  Madelina  and  her  mother 
bad  joined  themselves  to  a  little  body  of  serious  people, 
Pietists,  somewhat  resembling  Methodists,  seceders  from 
the  National  Church.  The  father,  a  coarse,  ignorant  man, 
vehemently  thi'eatened  his  wife,  and  tm-ned  his  daughter 
out  of  doors  to  earn  her  own  livelihood,  which  she  did  by 
weaving  for  nine  French  sous  a  day.  Pious  people  from 
Berne  had  interfered  on  theii*  behalf,  but  had  only  made 
matters  worse.  It  so  fell  out  that  about  this  time  a  certain 
email  old-fashioned  black-letter  German  newspaper  reached 
the  little  inn  at  Bonigen ;  the  host  and  his  household  were 
startled  on  finding  in  it  a  long  account  of  his  guests, — '  a 
history  of  IVIrs.  Fry,  her  work  and  labors  of  love ; '  conclud- 
ing with  her  visit  to  the  Oberland  of  Berne  and  residence 
at  Herr  Mitchell's  country  inn.  After  careful  perusal  it 
occurred  to  the  worthy  host  that  in  his  inmates  he  had 
found  the  very  people  to  rectify  the  wrongs  of  poor  Made- 
Una  and  restore  peace  in  her  parents'  dwelling;  persons  in 
his  opinion  not  to  be  resisted  by  Heurich  Kauss,  the  peas* 
ant  of  Wildersewyl,  to  whom  he  advised  that  a  visit  should 
forthwith  be  made.  When  the  carriage  came  to  convey  th© 
party  he  insisted  on  diiving  it  himself  arrayed  in  his  holiday 
costume.  The  interview  with  the  family  Avas  quite  pathetic. 
The  father  laid  the  fault  of  his  violence  and  se-  erity  on  the 
grandfather,  and  he  on  the  scho'ilmaster  ;  but  a  little  kind 
and  wise  conciliation  sufficed  to  biiug  them  all  to  tears ;  they 
wept  and  kissed,  and  Herr  Mitchell  wept  for  sympathy. 
After  which  Elizabeth  Fry  had  a  religious  time  with  Made- 
lina, her  mother,  and  a  few  of  then*  neighbors ;  leaving  them 
with  the  thankful  belief  that  they  had  been  permitted  to 
act  the  part  of  peacemakers."  * 


•  Life  by  S.  Corder.  page  540. 


2»4 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


"Zurich,  Eighth  Ifonth,  loth. — "\\'e  left  our  sweet  littl© 
home  at  Bouigen,  on  the  banks  of  Lake  Biienz,  last  Fourth- 
day.  I  felt  refreshed  by  our  visit  to  this  country.  I  think 
my  prayers  have  been  heai'd  and  answered  in  its  being  a 
very  uniting  time  with  those  most  tenderly  beloved  by  me. 
We  have  had  some  interesting  communications  with  serious 
peisons  in  the  humble  walks  of  life  who  reside  in  that 
neighborhood.  We  have  desired  to  aid  them  spiiitually 
and  temporally,  but  the  difficulty  of  communication  has 
been  very  great,  from  want  of  suitable  interpreters ;  still  I 
trust  that  some  were  edified  and  comforted.  I  also  hop© 
our  chculation  of  books  and  ti'acts  has  been  useful,  and 
the  establishment  of  at  least  one  hbrary  at  Brienz  for  the 
laboriug  classes.  We  have  traveled  along  gently  and 
agreeably  by  Lucerne,  and  through  a  delightful  country." 

"On  the  morning  of  their  departure  from  Zurich  th© 
venerable  pastor  Gesner,  and  many  others,  called  to  take 
leave.  This  apostolic  old  man  pronounced  a  striking  bless- 
ing on  Elizabeth  Fry  to  which  she  replied  in  terms  that 
caused  the  bystanders  to  weep  aloud." 

"  Luciwigsburg,  («  few  miles  from  Stuttgard,)  Ninth 
Month,  \st. — On  tbt,  evening  of  the  day  that  I  wrote  at 
Zui-ich,  we  went  witli  our  dear  friend  the  Baroness  Pelet, 
afterwards  joined  by  the  Baron,  to  the  house  of  an  ancient 
devoted  pasteur,  Gesner.  His  wife  was  the  daughter  of 
that  excellent  servant  of  the  Lord,  Lavater.  We  met  a 
large  number  of  persons,  I  believe  generally  serious.  I  had 
proposed  to  myself  speaking  on  the  prison  subject;  but  my 
way  opened  differently — to  enlarge  upon  the  state  of  the 
Protestant  Church  in  France,  to  encourage  all  its  members 
to  devotedness ;  and  particularly  in  that  place  where  deep 
trials  have  been  theii-  portion  from  theii-  Government  up- 
holding  infidehty  and  iniidei  men.  At  the  close  of  the- 
Meeting  our  venerable  friend  Gesner  spoke  in  a  hvely,  pow- 
erful manner,  and  avowed  his  belief  that  the  Lord  Himself 


FIRST  AND  SECOND  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT. 


295 


had  enabled  me  to  express  what  I  had  done,  it  was  so 
remarkably  '  the  word  in  season.'  I  paid  also  a  satisfactory 
religious  visit  to  the  female  prisoners  in.  the  afternoon 
The  next  morning  I  visited  the  head  magistrate,  represented 
the  evils  I  had  observed,  and  saw  some  ladies  about  visiting 
prisons.  We  afterwards  went  a  sweet  expedition  on  the 
Lake  with  our  beloved  friends,  the  Baron  and  Baroness 
Pelet.  Early  in  the  evening  I  set  off  with  a  dear  girl — 
great  grand-daughter  to  Lavater  and  grand-daughter  to 
Pasteur  Gesner — Barbara  Usteri,  in  a  curious  little  carriage 
to  pay  some  visits,  and  to  spend  an  evening  at  the  hou^e  of 
the  aunt  of  Matilda  Escher,  another  interesting  young 
woman  Avith  whom  I  had  become  acquainted,  I  believe 
providentially,  at  an  inn  near  Interlachen.  I  had  no  one 
with  me  but  strangers  as  my  dear  family  stayed  with  the 
Baron  and  Baroness  Pelet  at  my  desu'e;  but  I  feel  not 
among  strangers ;  because  those  who  love  the  Lord  Jesus 
are  dear  to  me,  and  in  our  holy  Head  we  are  one.  I  can 
hardly  express  how  much  I  have  found  this  to  be  the  case 
on  this  journey — the  love,  the  unity  and  the  home  feeling  I 
Lave  had  with  those  I  never  saw  before!  and  I  have  a^so 
found  how  httle  it  matters  where  we  are,  for  'where  the 
God  of  peace  is  there  is  home.' " 

After  visiting  the  Prison  and  Orphan  Asylum  at  Ludvvigs- 
burg  the  travelers  proceeded  to  Frankfort  whara  they  had  a 
stall  opened  for  the  sale  of  Bibles  and  tracts,  and  then  has- 
tened home  by  way  of  Ostend  and  Dover,  ari-iving  in  peace 
and  health  September  13th,  1839.  The  journey  through 
France  and  Switzerland  occupied  about  six  months. 

The  following  shows  some  of  the  results  of  Elizabeth 
Fry's  extensive  observation  and  deep  experience,  regarding 
different  religious  persuasions. 


296 


BLIZABETH  FB7. 


"  Upton,  First-day  Twelfth  Month,  Sth. — yesterday 

had  some  intimate  conversation  with  Captain  •,  who  has 

just  joined,  or  is  about  to  join,  the  Plymouth  Brethren ; 
with  a  young  lady,  a  follower  of  Edward  Irving ;  with  an- 
other lady,  a  high  Church  woman ;  and  with  Josiah  Forster, 
an  elder  in  our  portion  of  the  church.  I  cannot  say  but 
that  it  is  at  times  an  exercise  of  my  religious  faith  to  find  the 
diversities  of  opinions  existing  amongst  the  professors  of 
Christianity,  and  not  only  the  professors,  but  those  who  I 
believe  really  love  then-  Lord;  but  my  better  judgment  tella 
xne  that  there  must  be  a  wise  pui-pose  in  its  being  so.  These 
divisions  into  families  and  tribes  may  tend  to  the  life  and 
growth  of  religion,  which,  if  we  were  all  of  one  mind,  might 
not  be  the  case.  But  whilst  I  perceive  these  differences,  I 
perceive  that  there  is  but  one  Christianity,  one  Body,  one 
Spirit,  one  hope  of  our  calling ;  one  Lord,  one  faith,  and  one 
baptism ;  one  God  and  Father  of  al]/"^  All  true  members  of 
the  Church  of  Christ  are,  and  must  be,  one  in  Him,  and  the 
results  we  see  the  same  everywhere.  Love  to  God  and  love 
to  man  manifested  in  life  and  conduct;  and  how  strikingly 
proved  in  death,  as  well  as  life,  that  victory  is  obtained 
through  the  same  Saviour;  that  in  the  dying  hour  death 
loses  its  sting  and  the  grave  its  victory.  Therefore  if  we 
believe  and  know  our  hearts  to  be  cleansed  by  the  blood  of 
Christ,  and  through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Sphit  hve  to  His 
glory,  bearing  the  fruits  of  faith,  it  matters  Uttle,  in  my  es- 
timation, to  what  rehgiaus  denomination  we  belong,  so  that 
we  mind  our  calling  and  fill  the  place  our  Lord  would  have 
us  to  fill  in  His  Militant  Church  on  earth." 


CHAPTEB  TENTH. 


THIBD,  FOTJETH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT. 

Previous  to  her  first  tour  in  Belgium,  Holland,  and  Ger- 
many Elizabeth  Fry  paid  her  respects  to  her  own  Sovereign 
whose  marriage  is  thus  referred  to  : 

First  Month,  1840. — An  eventful  time  in  public  and 
private  life.  Our  young  Queen  is  to  be  married  to  Prince 
Albert.  She  has  sent  me  a  present  of  fifty  pounds  for  our 
Kefuge  at  Chelsea  by  Lord  Normauby.  Political  commo- 
tions about  the  country — riots  in  Wales — much  religious  stii 
in  the  'Church  of  England,'  numbers  of  persons  becoming 
much  the  same  as  Eoman  Catholics — Popish  doctrines 
preached  openly  in  many  of  the  churches — infidel  princi- 
ples in  the  form  of  Sociahsm  gaining  ground." 

"  Upton,  Second  Month,  1st. — I  am  called  to  visit  our 
young  Queen  to-day,  in  company  with  Wilham  Allen,  and  I 
hope  my  brother  Samuel  also. 

"Went  to  Buckingham  Palace  and  saw  the  Queen.  Our 
interview  was  short.  '  Lord  Normanby,  the  Home  Secretaiy, 
presented  us.  The  Queen  asked  us  where  we  were  gomg  on 
the  Continent.  She  said  it  was  some  years  since  she  saw 
me.  She  asked  about  Caroline  Neave's  Eefuge  for  which 
she  had  lately  sent  the  fifty  pounds.  This  gave  me  an  op- 
portunity of  thanking  her.  I  ventured  to  express  my  satis- 
faction that  she  encourged  various  works  of  charity ;  and  I 
said  it  reminded  me  of  the  words  of  Scripture,  '  with  the 


ELIZABETH  FBV. 


BQerciful  Thou  v,ilt  show  Thyself  merciful.'  Before  we 
withdrew  I  stopped  and  said  I  hoped  the  Queeu  would  al- 
low me  to  assure  her  that  it  was  our  prayer  that  the  bless- 
ing of  God  night  rest  upon  the  Queen  and  her  Consort. 

"  I  have  for  some  time  believed  that  duty  would  call  me 
to  have  a  meeting  in  London  or  the  neighborhood  previous 
to  leaving.  I  see  many  difficulties  attached  to  it,  and  per- 
haps none  so  much  as  my  great  fear  of  women  becoming 
too  forward  in  these  things,  beyond  what  the  Scripture  dic- 
tates; but  I  am  sure  the  Scripture  most  clearly  and  forcibly 
lays  down  the  principle  that  the  Spirit  is  not  to  be  grieved, 
or  quenched,  or  vexed,  or  resisted ;  and  on  this  principle  I 
act,  under  the  earnest  desii-e  that  whatever  the  Lord  leads 
me  into  by  His  Spiiit  may  be  done  faithfully  to  Him  and 
in  His  name ;  and  I  am  of  opinion  that  nothing  Paul  said 
to  discomage  women's  speaking  in  the  churches  alluded  to 
their  speaking  through  the  help  of  the  Spirit,  as  he  clearly 
gave  directions  how  they  should  conduct  themselves  under 
such  circumstances,  when  they  prayed  or  prophesied." 

The  Meeting  is  thus  described  by  one  who  was  present : 

"It  was  really  a  most  impressive  occasion, — the  large, 
fine,  circular  building  filled — not  less  I  should  think  than 
fifteen  hundred  present.  She  began  by  entreating  the  sym- 
pathy and  supplications  of  those  present.  I  cannot  tell  you 
how  mine  flowed  forth  on  her  behalf.  After  her  prayer  we 
sat  still  for  some  time ;  then  William  Allen  spoke ;  and  then 
she  rose,  giving  as  text,  '  Yield  yourselves  unto  God  as  those 
that  are  alive  from  the  dead;'  and  uncommonly  fine  waa 
her  animated,  yet  tender  exhortation  to  all  present,  but 
more  especially  to  the  young,  to  present  themselves  as  liv- 
ing sacrifices  to  the  Lord,  to  be  made  of  Him  ne  tv  creatures 
in  Christ — the  old  things  passed  away  and  all  things  be- 
come new,  as  those  alive  from  the  dead.  This  change  she 
dwelt  and  enlarged  on  much  ;  its  chai'acter  and  the  Power 


THIRD,  FOUBTH  AND  FIFFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  299 

that  alone  can  effect  it ;  the  duty  demanded  of  us — '  Yield 
yourselves ; '  and  its  infinite  and  etei'nal  blessedness.  I  was 
astonished  and  deeply  impi'essed  ;  the  feeling  was,  'sui'ely 
God  is  amongst  us  of  a  truth.'  " 

Mis.  Fry  and  her  companions — William  Allen,  her  brother 
Samuel  Gurneyand  his  daughter  Elizabeth,  LucyBradshaw 
and  Josiah  Forster,  arrived  at  Ostend,  Feb.  27th,  whenca 
she  wrote  to  her  family. 

"We  are  favored  with  a  bright  morning  and  we  may 
thankfully  say  that  our  spirits  are  permitted  to  partake  of 
the  same  brightness.  I  have  a  sweet  feeling  of  being  in  tha 
right  place.  An  order  is  come  from  the  Belgian  Govern* 
ment  for  us  to  visit  then-  prisons.  So  the  way  opens  before 
US;  and  though  I  give  up  much  to  enter  these  services,  and 
feel  leaving  my  most  tenderly  beloved  ones,  yet  there  is 
such  a  sense  of  blessedness  in  the  service,  and  the  honor  of 
doing  the  least  thing  for  my  Lord,  unworthy  as  I  am,  that 
il  often  brings  a  peculiar  feeling  of  health,  (if  I  may  so  say) 
as  well  as  peace,  to  my  body,  soul  and  spirit. 

"  My  brother  Samuel  is  a  capital  trave.ing  companion,  so 
zealous,  so  able,  so  willing,  so  generous;  and  I  find  dear 
Elizabeth  sweet,  pleasant  and  cheering.  Bruges  is  a  beauti* 
f  ul  old  town ;  su  ch  exquisite  buildings — they  delighted  my 
eye.  Here  we  visited  the  English  Convent  v/here  to  our 
surprise,  we  could  only  speak  through  a  grating.    We  had 

a  good  deal  of  conversation  with  dear  S.  P  's  sister  and 

the  Superior.  They  appeared  very  interesting  women.  We 
talked  about  their  shutting-in  system.  I  expressed  my  dis- 
approbation of  it,  as  a  general  practice,  and  one  liable  to 
great  abuse.  I  sent  them  some  books  and  mean  to  send 
moro.  We  also  visited  a  large  school ;  and  to  the  great 
pleasure  and  amusement  of  the  children  your  uncle  gave 
them  all  a  present.  They  could  not  in  the  least  understand 
our  language  as  they  speak  Flemish. 


800 


mZABETH  FBY. 


"We  have  been  much  interested  this  morning  in  visiting 
theMaison  de  Force;  it  is  a  very  excellent  prison  of  con- 
siderable size,  but  vsrants  some  things  very  much.  We  have 
since  been  occupied  with  the  numerous  English  here.  They 
are  without  pasteur,  or  school,  and  quite  in  a  deplorable 
state.  We  propose  having  a  meeting  with  them  of  a  relig- 
ious and  philanthropic  nature,  and  hope  to  establish  some 
schools,  &c.,  amongst  them." 

"  Brussels,  Third  3fonth,  1st. 

"We  left  Ghent  on  Seventh-day,  about  half-past  two 
o'clock,  after  visiting  a  most  deplorable  prison  where  we 
found  a  cell  with  the  floor  and  sides  formed  of  angular 
pieces  of  wood,  so  that  no  prisoner  could  stand,  lie  down, 
or  lean  against  the  wall  without  suffering.  We  also  visited 
a  Lunatic  asylum  so  beautifully  conducted  that  I  more 
took  the  impression  how  happy  such  persons  may  be  made 
than  I  ever  did  before.  They  are  cared  for  by  the  'Sisters 
of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul.'  After  rather  a  slow  journey  wo 
arrived  here  to  dinner  at  six  o'clock. 

"  Ghent,  Third  Month,  3rd. — Here  we  are  once  more — 
we  have  visited  another  large  prison  for  the  military,  and 
bad  a  very  interesting  Meeting  with  the  English  workmen, 
then-  wives  and  children.  I  am  glad  to  say  they  conclude 
for  us  to  send  them  schoolmasters.  We  had  flocks  after  us 
last  evening,  English  and  Belgians — I  suppose  about  sev- 
enty ;  they  appeai-ed  to  be  touched  by  our  reading.  I  ob- 
serve how  much  the  English  appear  iripressed  on  these 
occasions.  Our  little  party  are  very  comfortable  and  each 
has  plenty  to  do. 

Antwerp,  Third  Month,  6th. 
"  Upon  our  return  to  Brussels  from  Ghent  we  visited  the 
great  prison  of  VUorde.  We  gave  many  of  our  little  Scrip- 
ture extracts  to  the  prisoners.  We  got  home  to  dinner  and 
spent  the  evening  at  the  Baron  de  Bois'  where  we  met  several 
pleasant  persons.  A  considerable  number  of  Belgians,  poor 
ftad  rich  came  to  au  e  veuing  meeting  at  our  HoteL    The  nexi; 


THIKD,  FOUP.TH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  301 


day  was  one  of  no  common  interest.  After  some  engage- 
ments in  the  morning,  breakfasting  out,  &c.,  we  visited  the 
King.  Our  party  were  William  Allen,  my  brother  Samuel,  J. 
Forster  and  myself ;  and  before  we  left  Lucy  Bradshaw  and 
dear  Elizabeth  were  admitted  to  see  him.  We  first  bad  a 
very  interesting  conversation  on  the  state  of  the  prisons,  and 
your  uncle  read  the  King  our  address  to  him  upon  the  subject, 
When  the  part  was  read  expressing  our  desire  for  him  the 
Queen  and  his  family,  he  appeared  to  feel  it  much.  We  had 
open,  iateresting  communication  on  many  subjects.  We 
remained  nearly  an  hour.  The  Queen  was  unwell  and  the 
children  asleep,  therefore  I  did  not  see  them.  We  gave  the 
King  several  books  for  himself  and  the  Queen.  We  were 
invited  by  Count  Arrivabene  to  dine  with  one  of  the  first 
Belgian  families.  I  felt  it  rather  feavful  when,  to  my  sur- 
prise, after  dinner  I  was  seated  by  the  Dean  of  Brussels, 
Burrounded  by  the  company  and  told  that  I  was  permitted 
to  speak  openly  upon  my  religious  views.  Indeed  I  think 
the  wish  was  that  I  should  preach  to  them.  This  was 
curious,  because  I  was  warned  on  going,  to  say  nothing 
about  religion.  Preach  I  did  not,  as  I  do  not  feel  that  at 
my  command;  but  I  spoke  very  seriously  about  the  Scrip- 
tures not  being  read  in  the  prisons,  and  endeavored  to  show 
in  few  words,  what  alone  can  produce  change  of  heart,  life 
and  conduct,  and  the  danger  of  resting  in  forms.  We 
parted  in  much  good-will,  and  we  sent  the  Dean  and  the 
ladies  some  books.  In  the  evening  we  had  a  philantbropio 
party  at  our  hotel.  The  next  morning  a  large,  very  solemn 
and  interesting,  religious  meeting  at  the  hotel.  We  left 
Brussels  in  much  peace — rejoicing  would  not  be  too  strong 
a  word.    In  nearest  love.  E.  F." 

The  interview  with  the  Dean  of  Brussels  is  thus  de- 
scribed by  her  niece,  Elizabeth  Gurney. 

"  Brussels,  March  dth. — We  expect  to  end  our  very  inter- 
esting visit  in  this  place  to-day.    Had  I  a  bundled  limes 


102 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


more  power  of  writing  I  could  not  initiate  you  into  our  life 
lifre.  A  great  Meeting  is  now  assembling  in  the  Table  de 
Hote  salon,  fitted  up  by  our  landlord  for  the  occasion. 
This  is  to  be  our  farewell  meeting.  We  have  had  a  very 
full  morning,  partly  employed  in  distributing  books.  The 
servants  at  tl  e  j)alace  sent  an  entreaty  that  they  might  not 
be  overlooked.  I  wish  you  could  have  seen  us  looking  out 
a  good  variety  for  about  sixty  of  them. 

"Yesterday  began  with  a  full  tide  of  business.  They 
were  to  see  the  King  at  twelve  o'clock.  My  aunt  looked 
beautifully.  Ho  is  a  particularly  pleasing-looking  man, 
rather  older  than  I  expected.  The  Duchess  of  Kent  had 
kindly  written  to  the  King  to  say  that  my  aunt  was  likely 
to  vitoit  Brussels. 

T  must  tell  you  about  our  dinner  at  M.  le  Comte  de  ^'s 

the  first  Eoman  Catholic  family  here.  The  party  consisted 
of  fifteen  persons,  only  two  speaking  English.  Amongst 
them  was  the  Dean,  the  head  of  the  Church  here,  under  the 
Bishop  of  Malines.  Much  that  was  interesting  passed. 
The  Dean  and  our  aunt  seated  themselves  in  a  corner  of 
the  room,  and  by  degrees  the  whole  party  gathered  round, — 
the  Count  and  Joslah  Forster,  interpreting  by  turns.  Ifc 
was  a  critical  thing  to  know  what  to  say,  as  the  conversa- 
tion bscauie  more  and  more  of  a  religious  nature.  She 
began  on  the  prisons — prevention  of  crime — how  much  the 
upper  classes  are  often  the  cause,  by  example,  of  the  sins 
of  the  lower,  re.ated  a  few  of  her  prison  facts  as  proofs,  and 
finally  ended  by  saying,  'Wiil  the  Dean  allow  me  to  speak 
my  mind  candidly?'  Eis  permission  being  granted,  and 
that  of  the  Count  and  Countess,  she  began  by  expressing 
the  sincere  interest  that  she  felt  for  the  mhabitants  of  the 
city,  and  how  much  she  had  been  desiring  for  them,  '  that, 
r.3  a  people,  they  might  each  p.ace  less  confidence  in  men, 
and  in  ttie  forms  of  religion,  and  look  to  Christ  with  an  en- 
tire and  simple  faith.'  The  priest  said  nothing,  but  tarnsd 
the  subject  and  asked  what  tne  views  of  the  (Quakers  werej 


THIBD,  FOURTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  303 

upon  which  Josiah  Forster  gave  them  a  short  account  in 
French  which  appeared  to  interest  them  all." 

Leaving  Brussels  they  spent  about  two  weeks  in  visiting 
Kotterdam,  Amsterdam,  and  TwoUe.  A  letter  from  Dr. 
Bosworth,  whose  acquaintance  was  formed  at  Rotterdam, 
shows  the  kind  of  fruit  borne  in  those  places.  In  it  he 
sajs: 

"Before  answering  your  questions  let  me  discharge  a 
debt  of  gratitude  which  I  and  my  wife  owe  to  you  and  your 
friends,  for  your  benevolent  exertions  in  Rotterdam.  You 
have  excited  amongst  us,  and  have  left,  I  trust,  an  abiding 
Chi-istian  affection.  We  feel  we  are  brethren,  united  in  the 
same  good  cause  of  our  adorable  Saviour,  that  of  promoting 
'peace  on  earth  and  good-will  to  men.'  How  soon  will  the 
wood,  hay  and  stubble  of  party  be  burnt  up,  and  what  is 
built  on  the  Rock  of  Ages  remain,  &c.,  &c.  We  are  here  in 
a  parched  wilderness,  but  your  visit  has  brought  a  refresh- 
ing dew,  and  may  it  abide  with  us." 

Amsterdam,  Third  Months  l\)th, 

"My  dearest  H  , 

We  find  this  a  very  interesting  place.  How  much  amused 
you  would  all  be  at  some  of  our  curious  meetiugj.  The 
other  evening  we  went  to  drink  tea  at  the  house  of  a  con- 
verted Jew,  where  we  met  a  member  of  the  Pietists;  ho 
read  the  14th  chapter  of  John  in  French ;  I  spoke  and  gave 
a,  little  advice  on  Christian  love  and  unity ;  then  the  Jew 
spoke,  and  another  Jew  prayed,  and  afterwards  William 
Allen.  The  serious,  the  sweet,  the  good  and  the  ludicrous 
were  curiously  mixed  up  together.  Yesterday  was  very  f  uil ; 
fii-st  company,  breakfast  and  reading ;  then  preparation  for 
two  meetings,  one  for  prisoners  in  the  afternoon,  and  one 
in  the  evening  for  philanthropic  objects,  &c.  At  three 
o'clock  about  twenty  gentlemen  came  to  discuss  with  us  tha 


804 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


state  of  the  prisoners  of  Holland — an  excellent  meeting.  A 
gentleman  named  Surengar  was  present  who  has  followed 
us  fi'om  Eotterdam,  and  has  kindly  invited  us  to  his  house 
in  the  North  of  Holland.  Tour  uncle  is  very  clever  in  his 
speeches  and  real  knowledge  of  the  subject.  I  received 
blessing  and  thanks  from  many,  far  too  much ;  our  visit  ap- 
pears most  seasonable  here,  so  much  wanting  to  be  done  in 
the  prisons  and  other  things. 

Fiftb'day  morning. — We  went  to  oiu*  Friends'  Meet- 
ing ;  when  we  arrived  the  numbers  roun  I  the  door  were  so 
great  that  we  doubted  whether  we  coiild  get  in;  however 
way  was  soon  made  for  us  and  we  found  a  Javge  and  'ivfhly 
respectable  congregation  needing  no  interpreter.  We  had 
certainly  a  flowing  Meeting  in  every  sense,  I  think  the  cup 
flowed  over  with  Christian  love.  I  believe  it  has  been  a 
most  unusual  thing  the  way  in  which  hearts  have  been 
opened  towards  us.  I  then  went  off  to  the  prison  to  launch 
the  Committee  of  Ladies  in  visiting  it,  several  gent'emen 
also  with  me.  I  had  just  time  to  come  home,  rest  and  dress^ 
and  set  off  to  a  dinner  at  our  friend  Van  der  Hope's  where 
there  are  the  most  exquisite  paintings  by  the  Dutch  mas- 
ters.   I  think  I  never  saw  any  so  much  to  my  taste. 

"  I  can  assur  e  thee,  my  dearest  H  •,  when  I  see  how 

ripe  the  fields  are  unto  harvest  everywhere,  I  long  and  pray 
that  more  laborers  may  be  brought  into  this  most  interest- 
ing, important,  and,  may  I  not  say  delightful  service;  bat 
there  must  be  a  preparation  for  it,  by  yielding  to  the  cross 
of  Christ,  and  often  deep  humiliations  and  much  self-abase- 
ment are  needful,  before  the  Lord  makes  much  use  of  us : 
but  above  all  we  must  yield  om selves  to  God,  as  'those  that 
are  alive  from  the  dead ; '  He  will  then  fit  for  His  own  worl? 
in  His  own  way. 

Dearest  love  to  all  of  you, 

I  am  thy  most  tenderly  attached  mother 

Elizabeth  Fey.'' 


THIED,  FOURTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  305 

The  party  now  turned  eastward  toward  Hanover  to  visit 
a  small  colony  of  Friends  at  Minden  and  Pyrmont.  From 
these  places  Mrs.  Fry  writes  to  her  family : 

"Minden,  Third  Month,  28«A.— We  left  Twolle  on 
Second-day  the  23rd  and  slept  at  a  true  German  inn — 
neither  carpet  nor  curtain.  Our  night  was  disturbed,  still 
we  did  well.  Q^he  next  day  we  set  oflf  in  good  time  and 
traveled  until  twelve  o'clock;  we  did  not  settle  till  two  in 
the  morning.  I  think  I  have  not  yet  recovered  the  fatigue, 
not  having  slept  well  one  night  since.  We  have  been  inter- 
ested by  the  Friends,  who  are  much  like  those  of  Con- 
genies,  but  more  entirely  Friends.  We  have  visited  them 
in  almost  all  their  families  and  had  two  Meetings  with  them, 
X'f  e  have  been  brought  into  much  sympathy  with  them,  for 
they  are  a  tried,  and  I  believe  a  Christian  people.  We  have 
this  evening  had  three  pastors  with  us,  two  of  them  I  think 
spu'itual  men.  Our  meeting  was  largely  attended  this  after- 
noon, and  I  can  assure  you  my  heart  almost  failed  me,  being 
interpreted  for  in  German  is  so  difficult ;  but  we  have,  in 
Auguste  Mundbenck,  a  well  educated  young  Friend,  a  capi- 
tal interpreter.  The  meeting  ended  well.  In  my  wakeful 
nights  I  feel  solitary,  and  have  you  very  present  with  me; 
but  I  humbly  trust  He  that  sleepeth  not  is  watching  over 
you  with  tender  care. 

'■'•Pyrmont,  l^th. — In  our  way  here  we  visited  at  Hameln 
a  large  prison,  under  the  King  of  Hanover,  almost  all  the 
poor  prisoners,  upwards  of  four  hundred  in  number,  heavily 
chained.  I  told  them  a  little  of  my  deep  interest  for  their 
present  and  eternal  welfare ;  they  appeared  to  feel  it  very 
much ;  one  poor  man,  a  tall  fine  figure  with  heavy  chains  on 
both  legs,  sat  weeping  like  a  child.  I  am  just  come  in  from 
visiting  some  families  of  Friends ;  they  are  really  a  very 
valuable  set.  I  longed  to  take  a  picture  for  you  of  an  old 
Friend  with  a  plain  scull-cap,  eithei  quilted  or  knitted,  a 
purple  handkerchief,  a  striped  apron,  and  the  whole  ap- 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


pearance  truly  curious ;  but  she  was  a  sweet  old  woman,  full 
of  loTe.  I  am  really  amused;  the  old  and  young  are  as 
fond  of  me  as  if  I  could  fully  speak  to  them ;  the  little  ones 
sitting  on  my  lap  as  if  I  were  tLeu-  mother,  and  leaning 
their  little  heads  upon  me.  A  little  child  about  four  or  five 
said,  what  happy  days  they  should  have  when  we  went  to 
see  them.    We  expect  a  large  party  this  evening. 

"30th. — We  had  our  party  and  unde^-stand  there  were 
present  some  of  the  first  persons  of  the  town,  besides  the 
unaster  of  the  hotel,  his  wife,  the  doctor,  the  post-master, 
the  book-binder,  the  shoemaker,  &c.,  &c.,  &c. !  We  dis- 
cussed the  state  of  their  poor,  their  not  visiting  them  or 
attending  to  them  ;  for  it  appears  tha*;  visiting  the  poor  is 
not  thought  of  here.  I  hope  and  expect  our  coming  will  be 
useful  in  this  respect. 

"J£a77ieln — ended  JSanover,  Fourth  Month,  2nd. 

"While  stopping  at  a  small  inn  I  mean  to  finish  my  ac- 
count of  our  visit  to  Pyrmont.  After  I  wrote  we  went 
shaking  on  over  such  bad  roads  from  house  to  house  to  see 
Friends,  that  I  almost  feared  we  must  break  down.  We 
twice  dined  with  them  in  their  beautiful  spot  at  Friedens- 
fchal,  (or  the  valley  of  peace,)  surrounded  with  hills  and  a 
river  flowing  through  it;  roebucks  wild  from  the  woods 
abounding.  We  were  very  pleasantly  received.  Our  visits 
were  very  satisfactory  to  these  very  valuable  and  agreeable 
people.  Tears  and  kisses  abounded  at  our  departure.  I 
must  tell  you  of  an  interesting  event.  I  went  to  buy  some- 
thing for  little  John  at  a  shop  where  a  very  agreeable  lady 
spoke  to  me  in  English,  and  I  was  so  much  attracted  by  her 
that  I  requested  her  to  accept  a  book,  and  sent  a  work  on 
the  rites  and  ceremonies  of  the  Jews.  I  asked  her  to  attend 
our  Meeting  on  Second-day  morning.  She  proved  to  be  a 
Jewish  lady  of  some  importance ;  she  came  to  the  Meeting 
with  several  other  Jews,  and  truly  I  beUeve  her  heart  was 
touched.  I  invited  her  to  come  to  see  us  the  next  evening, 
when  we  expected  several  persons  to  join  om*  party.  The 


THIBD,  FOURTH  AND  PTPTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  307 

fo]lo^ving  day  we  agreed  to  form  a  District  Society  to  attend 
to  the  deplorable  state  of  the  poor.  The  Jewish  lady  capi- 
tally helped  us ;  she  then  appeared  in  a  feeling  state ;  but 
this  morning  when  the  ladies  met  to  finish  our  arrange- 
ments, and  I  felt  it  my  place  to  give  them  a  little  advice, 
and  my  blessing  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  the  tears  poured 
down  her  face.  I  then  felt  it  my  absolute  duty  to  take  her 
into  my  room  to  give  her  such  books  as  I  thought  right 
and  to  tell  her  how  eai*nest  my  desires  were  that  she  should 
come  to  the  knowledge  of  our  Saviour.  I  think  in  our 
whole  journey  no  person  has  appeared  to  be  so  affected 
or  so  deeply  impressed;  may  it  be  lasting  and  may  she 
become  a  Christian  indeed! 

"  Hildesheim,  Fourth  Month,  Qt?u 
"  We  left  Hanover  to-day  about  five  o'clock,  after  rather  a 
singular  visit.  We  arrived  there  on  Fifth-day  evening. 
On  Sixth  and  Seventh-day  our  way  did  not  open  quite  so 
brightly  as  sometimes.  We  saw  a  deplorable  prison, — ^poor 
untried  prisoners  chained  to  the  ground  until  they  would 
confess  their  crimes,  whether  they  had  committed  them  or 
not,  and  some  other  sad  evils.  Several  interesting  pei'sons 
came  to  see  us.  Seventh-day  evening  we  spent  at  a  gentle- 
man's house  where  we  met  some  very  clever  and  superior 
persons,  and  had  much  important  communication  upon 
their  prisons,  &c.,  &c.  On  First-day  we  had  our  little 
Meetings ;  such  a  tide  on  the  Sabbath  I  think  I  hardly  ever 
had ;  it  was  like  being  driven  down  a  mighty  stream ;  we 
had  allowed  persons  to  come  to  us,  supposing  it  would  be 
the  last  day  there.  I  made  some  calls  of  Christian  love. 
Q?he  principal  magistrate  came  for  an  hour  about  the  prisons, 
and  very  many  other  persons.  In  the  evening  we  had  also 
a  party  of  a  select  nature  to  our  Scripture-reading,  and  after 
a  very  solemn  time  we  represented  many  tilings  wanted 
in  Hanover.  I  forgot  to  tell  you,  amongst  other  visitors 
the  Queen's  Chamberhn  came  to  say  that  the  Queen  wished 
to  see  our  whole  party  on  Second-day  at  one  o'clock.  We 


808 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


bad  proposed  going  that  morning  early,  but  put  it  off  on 
this  account.  I  think  I  never  paid  a  more  interesting  visit 
to  royalty — my  brother  Samuel,  William  Allen  and  myself. 
In  the  first  place  we  were  received  with  ceremonious  respect, 
shown  through  many  rooms  into  a  drawing-room  where 
were  the  Queen's  Chamberlain  and  three  ladies-in-waiting 
to  receive  us.  .  .  After  some  little  time  we  were  sent 
for  by  the  Queen ;  the  King  was  too  ill  to  see  us.  She  is  a 
stately  woman,  tall,  large,  and  rather  a  fine  countenance. 
We  very  soon  began  to  speak  of  her  afflictions,  and  I  gave 
a  little  encouragement  and  exhortation.  She  was  much 
affected,  and  after  a  little  requested  us  to  sit  down.  We 
bad  very  interesting  and  important  subjects  brought  for- 
tvai'd ;  the  difficulties  and  temptations  to  which  rank  is  sub- 
ject, the  importance  of  then-  influence,  the  objects  incum- 
bent upon  them  to  attend  to  and  help  in — Bible  Societies, 
Prisons,  &c.  We  then  read  our  addi-ess  to  the  Queen,  wish- 
ing her  to  patronize  ladies  visiting  the  prisons  ;  it  contained 
serious  advice,  and  our  desires  for  her,  the  King,  and  the 
Prince ;  then  I  gave  the  Queen  several  books  which  she  ac- 
septed  in  the  kindest  manner." 

The  travelers  then  proceeded  to  Berlin  where  they  met 
with  a  warm  welcome  from  all  classes  and  found  an  ample 
field  of  labor.  In  the  Princess  William,  sister  of  the  late 
King  Frederick  William  III.,  Mrs.  Fry  found  a  zealous 
supporter  of  her  efforts  for  the  improvement  of  the  prisons. 
Their  first  public  reception  is  thus  described  by  her  niece: 
also  a  meeting  at  the  palace  of  the  Princess  William. 

^'^ Hotel  de  Russic,  Berlin. 
"Our  dear  aunt's  first  evening  for  phUanthropio  purposes 
took  place  o;a  the  13th.    There  is  a  splendid  room  in  the 
Hotel  capable  of  containing  two  hundred  persons,  where 
we  have  our  reunions.    (At  one  end  of  this  large  room  was 


THIED,  FOOBTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  309 

a  platform  on  whicli  the  company  were  seated,  with  Pro- 
fessor Tholuck,  as  interpreter.)  It  would  be  impossible  to 
describe  the  intense  interest  and  eagerness  which  prevailed 
when  our  aunt  rose.  The  attention  of  the  whole  assembly 
eeemed  completely  riveted  by  her  address.  William  Allen 
had  previously  told  them  the  object  of  their  mission,  and  a 
little  of  what  they  had  been  doing  since  our  arrival  in 
Berlin. 

"  The  Princess  William  has  been  desirous  to  give  her 
sanction,  as  far  as  possible,  to  the  Ladies'  Committee  for 
visiting  the  prisons  that  my  aunt  has  been  forming ;  and  to 
show  her  full  approbation  had  invited  the  Committee  to 
meet  her  at  her  palace.  The  Princess  had  also  asked  some 
of  her  friends ;  so  we  must  have  been  about  forty.  Such  a 
party  of  ladies  and  only  our  friend  Count  Groben  to  in- 
terpret. The  Princess  received  us  most  kindly.  The  Crown 
Princess  arrived.  The  Princess  Charles  was  also  there; 
and  the  Crown  Prince  himself  soon  afterwards  entered. 
Our  aunt  sat  in  the  middle  of  the  sofa,  the  Crown  Prince 
and  Princess,  and  the  Princess  Chai'les  on  her  right,  the 
Princess  William,  Princess  Marie,  and  Princess  Czartoryski 
on  the  left;  Count  Groben  sitting  near  her  to  interpret; 
the  Countesses  Bohlen  and  Dernath  by  her — I  was  sitting 
by  the  Countess  Schlieffen,  a  delightful  person  who  is  much 
interested  in  all  our  proceediDgs.  A  table  was  placed  be- 
fore our  aunt,  with  pens,  ink  and  paper,  like  other  Commit- 
tees, with  the  various  rules  that  she  and  I  had  drawn  up, 
and  the  Countess  Bohlen  had  translated  into  German,  and 
which  she  read  to  the  assembly.  Our  aunt  then  gave  a 
clever,  concise  account  of  the  Societies  in  England.  When 
business  was  over  my  aunt  mentioned  some  texts  which  she 
asked  leave  to  read.  A  German  Bible  was  handed  to  Count 
Groben,  the  text  in  Isaiah  having  been  pointed  out,  that 
our  aunt  had  wished  for,  '  Is  not  this  the  fast  that  I  have 
^bosen,'  &c.  The  count  read  it,  after  which  our  aunt  said, 
♦Will  the  Prince  and  Princesses  allow  a  short  time  for 


310 


ELIZABETH  PBT. 


prayer  ? '  They  all  bowed  assent  and  stood,  while  she  knelt 
down  and  offered  one  of  her  touching  heartfelt  prayers  for 
them — that  a  blessing  might  rest  on  the  whole  place,  from 
the  King  on  his  throne  to  the  poor  prisoner  in  the  dungeon ; 
and  she  prayed  especially  for  the  Koyal  Family ;  then  for 
the  ladies,  that  the  works  of  theu'  hands  might  be  pros- 
pered in  what  they  had  now  undertaken  to  perform. 
Many  of  the  ladies  now  withdi'ew,  and  we  were  soon  left 
■with  the  Eoyal  Family.  They  all  invited  us  to  see  them 
again  before  we  left  Berlin,  and  took  leave  of  us  in  the 
kindest  manner." 

How  admirably  did  this  meek  and  trustful  woman  main- 
tain the  simple  dignity  of  her  apostolic  office.  Like  Paul 
she  was  pohte  to  the  high  as  well  as  to  the  low  in  position, 
remembering  the  words  "  Ye  have  one  Master,  even  Christ, 
and  all  ye  are  brethren."  She  was  not  captivated  by  the 
glitter  of  court-life,  even  when  it  was  sustained  by  true 
nobility  of  mind  and  character,  as  was  the  case  in  Prussia. 
Her  sympathies  were  with  the  people,  and  she  felt  their 
Bufferings  and  bonds,  as  bound  with  them,  using  her 
divinely  given  influence  to  ameliorate  sorrow  wherever 
found.  She  seized  on  this  favorable  moment  to  present  to 
the  Crown  Prince  a  concern  which  weighed  upon  her  spiiit. 
Having  learned  by  inquu'y  that  members  of  the  Lutheran 
church  still  suffered  great  oppression,  in  various  ways,  she 
opened  the  subject  to  the  heir  to  the  throne.  He  gave  her 
an  attentive  hearing  and  encouraged  her  to  act  as  she  be- 
lieved to  be  right.  Thereupon  an  addi'ess  was  drawn  up 
by  William  Allen  and  officially  presented  to  the  Eing» 
"  On  the  following  day  the  King's  chaplain  was  the  bearer 
of  the  delightful  intelligence  that  the  address  had  been 


THIBD,  FOXJKTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINEIIT.  311 

graciously  received,  and  that  the  King  had  said  that,  *He 
thought  the  Spirit  of  God  must  have  helped  them  to  ex- 
press themselves  as  they  had  done.' " 

"  Leipzig,  Fourth  Month,  ZOtJu 

**Mt  dearest  L  , 

The  deeply  weighty  exercises  at  Berlin  had  so  much  ex- 
pended all  my  powers,  that  I  concluded  to  remain  here 
alone  with  my  maid  and  our  young  friend  Beyerhaus  whilst 
.the  rest  of  our  little  company  went  to  Dresden.  I  have  had 
a  quiet  time  and  am  much  refreshed.  I  enjoy  this  fine 
weather.    How  beautiful  is  the  breaking  forth  of  spring ! 

"We  have  been  particularly  interested  in  visiting  Luther's 
abode  at  Wittemberg,  being  where  he  was,  and  sitting  where 
he  sat  by  his  table.  Though  in  an  old  monastery  he  ap- 
pears to  have  had  very  comfortable  apartments.  We  saw 
a  beautiful  painted  ceiling  in  his  sitting-room,  though  now 
much  defaced.  I  hope  you  have  all  read  Merle  D'Aubigne'a 
History  of  the  Reformation,  we  have  found  it  so  very  inter- 
esting ;  we  expect  to  visit  many  of  the  places  mentioned  in 
it,  and  see  the  castle  in  which  Luther  was  confined ." 

"  Frankfort,  Fifth  Month,  Ath. — I  felt  very  unwell  yes- 
terday and  low  in  spirits.  My  dearest  brother  and  sweet 
niece  were  most  kind  to  me ;  all  that  I  required  I  had ;  so 
'  the  Lord  doth  provide.'  I  almost  dreaded  my  night ;  but 
through  tender  mercy  the  Comforter  was  near  to  comfort 
and  help  my  great  infirmity,  so  that  I  rested  in  my  Lord 
and  feel  revived  in  body  and  soul  this  morning.  This  text 
has  been  present  with  me,  '  I  am  the  Lord  that  healeth 
thee.' — Exodus  xv.,  26.  Such  fears  presented  themselves — • 
How  could  I  get  home  1  How  could  I  bear  the  sea  ?  Should 
I  not  feel  much  burdened,  not  having  finished  what  I  thought 
I  ought  to  do  ?  and  so  on  ;  but  now  my  most  gi'acious  and 
holy  Helper  delivers  me  from  my  fears.  Thanks  to  His 
most  blessed  and  holy  name." 


812 


ELIZASETB  FB7. 


From  Dusseldorf  they  visited  "the  estabhshment  of 
Kaiserwerth,  under  the  care  of  Pastor  Fliedner,  for  training 
Deaconesses  to  tend  and  nm-se  the  sick  and  to  aid  their 
Bpiritual  •  necessities  whilst  providing  for  their  temporal 
wants.  At  that  time  this  admirable  institution  had  existed 
only  four  years,  but  its  utility  was  generally  acknowledged, 
and  information  upon  the  subject  earnestly  desired.  Pastor 
Fliedner,  in  furnishing  his  recollections  of  the  visit  says :  " 

"The  8th  of  May  1840  was  a  great  holiday  to  us;  Eliza- 
beth Fry  of  London  visited  our  institution.  Of  all  my 
contemporaries  none  has  exercised  a  like  influence  on  my 
heart  and  life :  truly  her  friendship  was  one  of  the  '  all 
things '  which  God  in  sovereign  mercy  has  worked  for  my 
good. 

"In  Januai'y  1824,  I  had  had  the  privilege  of  witnessing 
the  effects  of  Mrs.  Fry's  ■wonder-working  visits  among  the 
miserable  prisoners  of  Newgate.  On  my  return  to  my  father- 
land my  object  was  to  found  a  society  entitled  the  '  Rhenish 
Westphalian  Prison  Association,'  having  ramifications  in 
all  the  provinces  of  Germany.  In  this  I  was  greatly  assisted 
by  the  advice  and  experience  afforded  me  by  this  eminent 
servant  of  God.  Dming  my  second  stay  in  England,  ia 
1834,  I  had  the  happiness,  in  common  with  Dr.  Steinkopfif, 
of  spending  a  day  with  Mrs.  Fry  at  her  own  home,  and  also 
of  accompanying  her  in  one  of  her  visits  of  mercy  to  New- 
gate. By  this  means  I  was  enabled  to  see  and  admire  her 
in  her  domestic  as  well  as  public  character. 

"Thus  may  my  happiness  be  estimated  when,  in  1840, 
Mrs.  Fry,  accompanied  by  her  brother,  her  young  niece, 
William  Allen,  and  Lucy  Bradshaw,  came  in  person  to  see 
and  rejoice  over  the  growing  establishment  of  Kaiserwerth. 
She  saw  the  whole  house,  going  into  every  room,  and  mi- 
nutely examining  each  in  detail,  and  then  delivered  to  the  in- 
mates  a  deeply  interesting  discomse.    Many  were  the  teai'S 


THIRD,  roUETH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  313 

shed,  and  I  have  a  bright  hope  not  in  vain.  .  .  .  Truly 
God  was  in  the  midst  of  us,  and  the  remembrance  of  that 
spirit  of  active,  self-denying  love  is  one  of  the  sweetest  con- 
solations I  possess  amid  the  trials  and  difficulties  which 
every  such  institution  must  afford. 

May,  26,  1848.  Thomas  Fliedner." 

Her  own  account  of  their  engagements  at  Dusseldorf 
bears  date  May  10th. 

"Here  we  are,  and,  thanks  to  my  Heavenly  Father,  I  am 
much  revived  :  my  cough  better ;  unfavorable  symptoms 
subsided  ;  sufficient  strength  given  me  for  the  various  duties 
as  they  arise.  I  feel  my  prospect  weighty ;  first  going  to 
the  prison  to  visit  some  prisoners  whom  I  did  not  see  yes- 
terday; and  then  we  expect  a  large  party  in  the  evening  to 
read  the  Scriptures  and  for  worship, — and  this  amongst 
strangers  who  know  little  or  nothing  of  us,  or  our  ways,  and 
our  interpreter  not  accustomed  to  us.  But  our  holy  Helper 
can,  through  his  own  unmerited  mercy  and  almighty  power, 
really  so  help  us  to  touch  the  hearts  of  those  who  come  to 
us,  to  their  true  edification.  O  gracious  Lord!  be  with  us, 
help  us  and  bless  us.  Thy  servants  have  come  in  much  fear, 
much  weakness,  and  under  a  belief  that  it  is  Thy  call  that 
has  brought  them  here.  Now  be  Thyself  present  with  us, 
in  this,  our  last  occasion  of  the  kind,  to  our  help,  consola- 
tions and  edification!  I  can  only  cast  myself  on  Thy  love, 
mercy  and  pity. 

"In  the  afternoon  I  visited  the  prison,  accompanied  by 
my  dear  brother,  William  Allen  and  Lucy  Bradshaw.  We 
first  collected  a  large  number  of  men  in  a  yard,  and  I  was, 
in  my  low  state  of  body  strengthened  to  speak  to  them  in 
the  open  air.  Unexpectedly  a  valuable  man,  the  Pastor 
Fliedner,  met  us,  who  interpreted  beautifully  for  me.  We 
then  visited  several  wards,  and  the  prisoners  appeared  to 
feel  a  great  deal.  May  its  effects  long  remain.  I  also  vis- 
ited a  very  valuable  lady,  a  Koman  Catholic,  who  has  visited 


814 


ELIZABETH  FEY. 


the  prison  many  years.    We  partook  of  Christian  love,  and 

I  believe  of  Christian  unity.  In  the  evening  wc  had  a  very 
large  party  to  our  reading  and  worship;  I  should  think 
nearly  a  hundred  persons.  My  Lord  and  Master  only 
knows  what  such  occasions  are  to  iiie,  weak  in  body,  rather 
low  in  spu-its — amongst  perfect  strangers  to  us — not  able 
to  speak  to  them  in  their  own  language.  To  whom  could 
I  go?  I  could  say,  'With  God  all  things  are  possible;' 
and  so  I  found  it.  My  brother  Samuel  read  the  7th  chap- 
ter of  Matthew.  One  of  the  pastors  read  it  in  German.  I 
soon  spoke,  and  unexpectedly  had  to  enlarge  much  on  the 
present  state  of  Germany ;  how  it  was  that  more  fruit  had 
not  been  produced,  considering  the  remarkable  seed  sown 
in  years  past ;  the  query  what  hindered  its  growth  ?  I  ex- 
pressed my  belief — first  that  it  arose  from  a  lukewarm  and 
indififerent  sphit ;  secondly,  from  infidel  principles  creeping 
in  under  a  specious  form ;  thirdly,  from  too  much  supersti- 
tion yet  remaining ;  fourthly,  and  above  all,  from  the  love 
of  the  world  and  the  things  of  it,  beyond  the  love  of  Christ. 
After  showing  the  evil  and  its  results — the  seed  obstructed, 
as  in  the  parable  of  the  Sower,  bringingno  fruit  to  perfeetion- 
I  endeavored  to  find  out  the  remedy — to  ]ook  at  home  and 
not  judge  one  another;  to  ask  for  help,  protection  and 
direction  to  walk  in  the  nai-row  way;  to  be  doers  and  not 
hearers  of  the  word ;  and  to  devote  themselves  to  His  ser- 
vice who  had  done  so  much  for  us.  William  Allen  followed 
with  a  satisfactory  sermon.  I  then  prayed  very  earnestly 
for  them  and  afterwards  exhorted  on  reading  the  Scriptures. 
famUy  worship,  keeping  the  Sabbath,  &c.,  and  ended  with-a 
blessing.  The  attention  was  excessive ;  the  interpretation 
excellent  by  my  dear  friend  the  Pastor  Fliedner;  hearts 
much  melted,  and  great  unity  expressed  by  numbers.  It 
was  a  solemn  seal  set  to  our  labors  in  this  laud,  and  one 
not  to  be  forgotten.  So  our  Lord  helped  us  and  regarded 
me.  His  poor  servant,  in  my  low  estate ;  afterwards  peace 
was  in  no  common  degree  my  portion.    Blessed  be  the  name 


THIED,  FOURTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  31S 

of  the  Lord.  All  my  dear  companions,  William  Allen,  my 
brother,  and  the  younger  of  the  party,  my  dear  niece  and 
Lucy  Bradshaw,  appeared  happy  and  cheerful.  I  returned 
thanks  on  sitting  down  to  a  refreshing  meal,  after  the  labors 
of  the  day;  and  I  think  I  may  say  we  ate  our  'meat  with 
gladness  and  singleness  of  heart.' " 

!Hhe  return  to  England  was  made  in  time  for  the  Yearly 
Meeting  of  Friends  which  was  held  in  May,  so  that  the 
journey  lasted  about  two  months  and  a  half. 

"  Upton,  19th. — I  attended  the  first  sitting  of  the  Select 
Meeting  yesterday.  My  lot  was  to  sit  in  silence.  I  saw 
many  much  loved  by  me.  May  my  most  gracious  Lord 
help  me,  by  His  own  Spu'it,  at  this  Yearly  Meeting  fully, 
simply  and  clearly  to  lay  what  I  think  and  feel  before  this 
people — that  which  is  right  for  the  aged  and  more  expe- 
rienced before  them,  and  that  which  is  for  the  youth  before 
them.  Gracious  Lord  help  me  to  do  it  in  faithfulness,  in 
love,  in  truth,  in  deep  humility  and  godly  sincerity.  AmeiL 

"We  have,  altogether,  a  favorable  reply  to  our  letter 
from  the  King  of  Piussia.  He  justifies  the  measures  pur* 
sued  towards  the  Lutherans,  but  I  believe  our  address  will 
not  be  in  vain.  We  have  had  satisfactory  reports  of  the 
Government  already  acting  on  our  suggestions  respecting 
the  prisons  in  Prussia.  The  prisoners  are  to  have  more 
religious  instruction  and  more  inspection.  I  have  also  had 
a  very  interesting  letter  from  the  Queen  of  Denmark  express- 
ing regret  at  our  not  going  there,  and  not  only  great  deshe 
to  see  me  there,  but  much  unity  with  my  views  on  many 
subjects." 

The  Yearly  Meeting  proved  satisfactory,  but  no  particu« 
lar  account  is  preserved. 

"  Eighth  Month,  6th. — There  has  been  some  fear  of  a  wai" 


S16 


ELIZABETH  FB7. 


with  France,  which  has  been  really  sorrowful  to  me;  I  could 
have  wept  at  the  thought;  so  dear  are  the  people  of  that 
country  to  my  heart,  and  so  awful  is  it  to  think  of  the  hor- 
rors of  war,  whichever  way  we  look  at  the  subjuct,  relig- 
iously, morally,  or  physically.  The  longer  I  live  and  the 
greater  my  experience  of  life,  the  more  decided  are  my  ob- 
jections to  wai",  as  wholly  inconsisted  with  the  Christian 
calling.  Oh !  may  the  Almighty  gi'ant  that  through  His 
omnipotence  and  unutterable  love  and  mercy  in  Christ  our 
Saviour,  the  day  may  not  be  very  far  distant  when  the  peo- 
ple shall  learn  war  no  more, — when  peace  and  righteous- 
ness shall  reign  in  the  earth." 

"JEarlham,  Eighth  Months  list. — My  dearest  brother 
Joseph  is  safely  retm-ned  home  after  his  absence  of  three 
years  in  America  and  the  West  India  Islands.  I  think  I 
never  saw  any  person  in  so  perfectly  peaceful  a  state ;  he 
says  unalloyed  peace,  like  a  sky  witho  ut  a  cloud,  and  above 
all  enabled  thankfully  to  enjoy  his  many  blessings. 

"  Twelfth  Month,  31s^. — I  deeply  feel  coming  to  the  close 
of  this  year,  rather  vmusually  so :  it  finds  me  in  a  rather  low 
estate,  and  from  cii'cumstances  my  spirit  is  rather  over- 
whelmed although  I  am  sensible  that  blessings  abound, 
thi'ough  unmerited  mercy.  I  think  the  prison  cause,  at 
home  and  abroad,  much  prospering,  many  happy  results 
from  our  foreign  expedition,  and  much  doing  at  home. 
Among  other  things  the  establishment  of  a  Patronage  So- 
ciety for  prisoners,  by  which  many  poor  wanderers  appear 
to  be  helped  and  protected,  and  a  Society  for  the  Sisters  of 
Chai'ity  to  visit  and  attend  the  sick." 

The  last  named  institution,  the  management  of  which* 
from  the  urgency  of  her  numerous  engagements  was  en- 
trusted largely  to  her  sister  Elizabeth  Gurney,  and  her 
daughters,  was  constituted  somewhat  in  imitation  of  Pastor 
riiedner's  Kaiserwerth,  and  was  finally  called  the  "  Nursing 


TraED,  FOURTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  31T 

Sisleis."  Of  this  Society  the  Queen  Dowager  became  Pa- 
troness and  Lady  Inglis  President,  and  with  an  effective 
committee  to  conduct  the  management,  it  has  steadily  ad- 
vanced and  prospered.  "Their  aid  in  sickness  has  been 
soiight  and  greatly  valued  by  persons  of  all  classes,  from 
Eoyalty  to  the  most  destitute." 

Kotwithstanding  the  abundance  of  home  interests  and 
cares,  and  that  her  health  already  began  seriously  to  yield 
to  the  constant  drain  upon  her  strength,  this  great-hearted 
philanthropist,  and  devoted  servant  of  the  Lord,  still  felt 
that  more  work  remained  for  her  abroad,  whence  appeals 
for  aid  continued  to  be  received.  She  "  shrank  from  the 
great  effort  of  leaving  home,  and  encountering  the  fatigue 
of  traveling,  from  the  shaken  state  of  her  health ;  her  life  of 
exertion  and  effort  had  told  irremediably  upon  her  vital 
powers ;  but  it  was  not  because  the  shades  of  evening  were 
gathering  around  her  that  she  would  slacken  her  labors  for 
the  good  of  others.  Whilst  it  was  yet  day,  she  desii-ed  to 
work  and  finish  all  that  her  g-reat  Master  might  have  for 
her  to  do,  before  the  night  should  come  when  no  man  can 
work."    In  view  of  this  new  prospect  she  writes  : — 

"  Sixth  Month. — I  most  earnestly  desire  the  direction  of 
my  Lord  and  Master,  through  the  immediate  teaching  of 
His  Holy  Spirit,  that  I  may  really  know  and  do  His  will, 
and  His  will  only.  For  Thy  name's  sake,  O  Lord !  lead 
me,  and  teach  me.    .  . 

"  27<A,  First-day. — After  most  deeply  weighing  the  sub- 
ject, and  after  very  earnest  prayer  for  direction,  I  felt  best 
satisfied  to  inform  my  friends  of  my  belief  that  it  might  be 
right  for  me  to  accompany  my  dearest  brother  Joseph  to 
the  Continent  and  to  visit  some  of  the  more  northern  coun- 


818 


EtIZABETH  FB^ 


fxies  of  Europe.  I  had  very  decided  encouragement  from 
Friends,  particulai'ly  the  most  spiritual  amongst  them,  which 
I  felt  helpful  to  me  ;  but  I  was  surprised  at  the  degree  oi 
relief  and  peace  that  I  felt  afterwards,  as  from  a  voice  be- 
fore me  saying  '  This  is  the  way,  walk  in  it.' 

"  Seventh  3Ionth,  28<A,  Second-day. — I  had,  on  Seventh- 
day,  letters  from  the  Queen  of  Prussia  and  the  Princess 
William — the  first  expressing  much  satisfaction  at  our  pro- 
posed visit ;  our  way  is  clearly  open  in  her  heart,  and  that 
of  the  King." 

The  company  on  this  fom'th  tout  consisted  of  her  brother 
Joseph  John  Gurney,  his  daughter  Anna,  Elizabeth,  daugh- 
ter of  Samuel  Gurney ,  and  Mrs.  Fry's  maid.  The  prospect 
embraced  portions  of  Holland,  Germany,  Prussia  and  Den- 
mark. 

The  first  stop  was  made  at  Rotterdam  where  they  had  a 
large  party  in  the  evening,  and  the  next  day  visited  the 
prisons.  She  remarks,  "I  find  a  second  visit  to  a  place 
much  better  than  a  first." 

They  then  went  to  the  Hague,  and  sent  their  letters  to 
the  King  from  Prince  Albert.  "  On  Sixth-day  a  message 
came  to  desii-e  that  we  would  wait  upon  the  Eling  and 
Queen  the  next  day,  at  half-past  one  o'clock,  accompanied 
by  Lady  Disbrowe,  (wife  of  the  British  Minister.) 

"  We  remained  with  the  King  and  Queen  and  their  daugh- 
ter, the  Princess  Sophia,  about  an  hour.  As  rather  an  in- 
teresting event  in  my  life,  I  mean  to  tell  you  (the  home 
circle)  particulars  of  this  interview.  Before  we  went  we 
bad  a  solemn,  short  meeting  for  worship  with  our  dear  and 
valued  friends  of  tins  town:  afterwards  we  prepare.!  to  go. 

"  I  was  decorated  in  my  best  garments  outwardly,  (a  neat 
brown  silk  dress  presented  by  a  son,  and  a  diab  silk  shawl, 


THIBD,  FOUETH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  819 

the  gift  of  another  of  her  family,)  and  I  desired  so  to  be 
clothed  with  better  ornaments  spiritually  as  to  render  at- 
tractive that  which  I  had  to  recommend.  We  all  felt  very 
weightily  our  serious  engagement,  as  we  had  much  to  rep- 
resent to  the  King  respecting  the  West  Indies,  prisons,  and 
religious  education  for  the  people  of  his  own  country. 
The  King,  a  Hvely,  clever,  perfect  gentleman,  not  a  large 
man,  in  regimentals ;  the  Queen,  (sister  to  the  Emperor  of 
Russia,)  a  fine,  stately  person,  in  full  and  rather  beautiful 
morning  dress  of  white;  the  Princess  much  the  same. 
After  our  presentation  the  King  began  easy  and  pleasant 
conversation  with  me  about  my  visiting  prisons.  I  told 
him  in  a  short,  lively  manner,  the  history  of  it.  He  said 
he  heaid  I  had  so  many  children,  how  could  I  do  it?  This 
I  explained,  and  mentioned  how  one  of  my  daughters 
now  helped  me  in  the  Patronage  Society.  He  appeared 
much  interested,  as  did  the  Queen.  I  then  said  my  brother 
had  visited  the  West  Indies  and  would  be  glad  to  tell  the 
King  and  Queen  the  result  of  his  observations  in  those 
islands.  This  he  did  capitally,  showing  the  excellency  of 
freedom  and  its  most  happy  results.  He  represented  also 
the  sad  effects  of  the  Dutch  enlisting  soldiers  on  the  Gold 
Coast,  and  how  it  led  to  the  evil  of  slavery,  which  so 
touched  the  King  that  he  said  he  meant  to  put  a  stop  to 
^t.  I  then  began  again  and  most  seriously  laid  before  the 
King  the  sad  defect  of  having  no  religious  education  in 
their  Government  schools,  and  the  Bible  not  introduced. 
He  said  he  really  felt  it,  but  what  could  he  do  when  there 
was  a  law  against  it.  We  then  endeavored  to  explain  how 
^e  thought  it  might  be  obtained.  Our  very  serious  con- 
versation was  mixed  with  much  cheerfulness.  I  felt  helped 
to  speak  very  boldly,  yet  respectfully  ;  so  did  my  brother. 
I  concluded  by  expressing  my  most  earnest  desire  that  the 
iSing's  reign  might  be  marked  by  the  prisoners  being  so 
reformed  that  punishment  might  become  the  means  of  tho 


S20 


KLIZABETB  FBI 


refonaation  of  criminals ;  by  the  lower  classes  being  re- 
ligiously educated;  and  by  the  slaves  in  their  colonies 
being  liberated.  The  King  then  took  me  by  the  hand  and 
said  he  hoped  God  would  bless  me.  I  expressed  my  desire 
that  the  blessing  of  the  Almighty  might  rest  on  the  King, 
Queen,  their  children,  and  thek  children's  children.  We 
gave  them  books  which  they  accepted  kindly.  It  certainly 
was  a  very  pleasant  and  satisfactory  interview  that  I  hum- 
bly trust  will  not  prove  in  vain  in  the  Lord." 

"On  Sixth-day,  with  my  brother,  I  visited  the  Piincess 
of  Orange.  We  had  open,  free,  pleasant  communication  on 
many  important  points.  The  same  morning  I  visited  th© 
Princess  Frederick,  sister  to  the  King  of  Prussia  just  out 
of  her  confinement.  I  found  her  like  the  other  members 
of  that  superior  family.  My  brother  also  had  very  satisfac- 
tory intercourse  with  the  Princess  of  Orange.  The  Minis- 
ters of  the  Interior  and  of  Finance  have  been  very  kind, 
and  we  hope  and  expect  that  real  good  will  result.  The 
Princess  of  Orange  has  a  lovely  little  boy  about  two  months 
older  than  our  Princess.  The  guis  went  to  see  him ;  they 
accompanied  me  to  tbe  Princess  Frederick  who  wished  to 
see  them,  from  her  knowledge  of  us  through  the  Prussian 
Coui't. " 

On  the  7th  of  August  the  party  reached  Amsterdam 
where  they  inspected  all  the  public  institutions  and  held 
philanthropic  and  religious  meetings  in  the  usual  manner. 
On  the  14th  they  arrived  at  Bremen  where  a  large  meeting 
was  held  in  the  Museum  at  which  several  of  the  pasteurs 
were  present.  One  of  these  said  to  Mrs.  Fry,  "Your  name 
has  long  been  to  us  ' «  xoord  of  beauty  ; ' "  and  a  Christian 
gentleman  wrote  to  them  afterwards,  "Now  I  am  more 
than  convinced  that  you  are  sent  to  us  by  the  Lord  to  be 


TEtntD,  POtlETH  AKD  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THB  CONTINENT.  821 

and  to  become  a  great  blessing,  and  a  salt  to  our  city." 

"An  address,  embodying  subjects  of  great  importance,  was 
afterwards  prepared  by  Elizabeth  Fry  and  her  brother  and 
forwarded  to  the  municipal  authorities  of  the  place." 
*'  When  the  carriage  came  to  the  Hotel  door  for  their  de- 
parture crowds  of  the  lower  classes  surrounded  it,  wishing 
them  a  prosperous  journey,  '  bon  voyage,'  thanking  them 
for  the  good  Meeting  they  had  had  the  evening  before,  and 
begging  for  tracts ;  whilst  numbers  could  not  be  persuaded 
to  move  till  Elizabeth  Fry  had  shaken  hands  with  them, 
Their  little  transit  aci-oss  the  Elbe  would  have  been  delight- 
ful, with  a  splendid  setting  sun,  but  for  a  mob  of  persons 
returning  from  Hamburg  market,  who,  haviug  discovered 
Elizabeth  Fry  and  her  tract  bag,  so  pressed  upon  her  that 
she  was  glad  to  take  refuge  in  a  carriage." 

After  various  engagements  and  a  large  meeting  at  Ham- 
burg, they  embarked  on  the  Baltic  for  Copenhagen,  where 
they  remained  a  week.  The  following  is  Mrs.  Fry's  descrip- 
tion of  this  part  of  the  mission,  written  to  her  family  on 
board  the  packet,  August  30th,  1841. 

"We  have  been  favored  to  leave  Denmark  with  peaceful 
minds,  having  endeavored  to  fulfil  our  mission  as  ability 
has  been  granted  us :  a  more  important  one,  or  a  more  in- 
teresting  one.  I  think  I  never  was  called  into.  On  First- 
day  morning  when  we  arrived  in  the  harbor  we  were  met 
by  Peter  Browne  the  Secretary  to  the  English  Legation,  to 
inform  us  that  the  Queen  had  engaged  apartments  for  us  in 
the  Hotel  Eoyal.  The  appearance  of  the  Hotel  was  I 
should  think  like  the  arrangements  of  one  of  our  first  rate 
hotels  about  a  hundred  years  ago. 

"The  next  morning  the  Queen  came  to  town  and  we  had 
a  very  pleasant  and  satisfactory  interview  with  her.  She 


822 


ELIZABETH  FB7. 


certainly  is  a  most  delightful  woman,  as  well  as  a  truly 
Christian  and  devoted  character ;  lovely  in  person  and  quite 
the  Queen  in  appearance.  She  took  me  in  her  carriage  to 
her  infant  school:  it  really  was  beautiful  to  see  her  sur- 
rounded by  the  little  children  and  to  hear  her  translating 
what  I  wished  to  say  to  them.  After  staying  with  her  about 
two  hours,  we  returned  to  our  Hotel,  and  that  evening  took 
a  diive  to  see  the  beautiful  Palace  of  Fredericksburgh,  in  a 
most  lovely  situation,  the  beauties  of  land  and  sea  com- 
bined, with  fine  forest  trees  around  it.  The  following 
morning  we  regularly  began  our  prison  visiting.  Very  sad 
scenes  we  witnessed  in  some  of  them.  We  saw  hundreds 
of  persons  confined  for  life  in  melancholy  places;  but  what 
occupied  our  most  particular  attention  was  the  state  of  the 
persecuted  Christians.  We  found  Baptist  ministers,  excel- 
lent men,  in  one  of  the  prisons,  and  ttiat  many  others  of 
this  sect  suffered  much  in  this  country,  for  there  is  hardly 
any  religious  tolerance.  It  produces  the  most  flattening; 
religious  influence,  I  think  more  marked  than  in  Roman 
Catholic  countries.  We  were  most  devoted  to  the  service 
of  visiting  prisons.  Thu'd  and  Fourth-days  we  received 
various  persons  in  the  evening,  but  saw  as  yet  but  few 
Danes. 

"  On  Fourth-day  we  dined  at  Sir  Henry  Watkyn  Wynn's, 
our  ambassador,  and  here  we  became  acquainted  with  sev- 
eral persons.  They  hve  quite  in  the  country  and  we  saw 
the  true  Danish  country-house  and  gardens.  The  King  and 
Queen  were  kind  enough  to  invite  us  all  to  dine  at  their 
palace  in  the  country  on  Fifth-day.  This  was  a  most  seri- 
ous occasion,  as  we  had  so  much  to  lay  before  the  King ; — 
slavery  in  the  West  Indies,  the  condition  of  the  persecuted 
Christians  here,  and  the  sad  state  of  the  prisons.  I  was  in 
epirit  so  weighed  down  with  the  importance  of  the  occasion 
that  I  hardly  could  enjoy  the  beautiful  scene.  We  ai'rived 
about  a  quarter  past  three  o'clock ;  the  Queen  met  us  with 
the  utmost  kindness  and  condescension  and  took  us  a  walk 


THIRD,  FOUKTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THB  OONTIIIENT.  323 

in  their  lovely  giounds  which  are  open  to  the  public.  We 
had  mnch  interesting  convei-sation,  between  French  and 
English,  and  made  ourselves  understood.  When  our  viralk 
was  finished  we  were  shown  into  the  drawing  room  to  the 
King  who  met  us  very  coui'teously ;  several  were  there  in 
attendance.  Dinner  was  soon  announced :  imagine  me,  the 
King  on  one  side  and  the  Queen  on  the  other,  and  only  my 
poor  French  to  depend  upon ;  but  I  did  my  best  to  turn 
the  time  to  account.  .  .  When  dinner  was  over  we  all 
went  out  together.  The  afternoon  was  very  entertaining; 
the  King  and  Queen  took  us  to  the  drawing-room  window 
where  we  were  to  see  a  large  school  of  orphans,  proteges  of 
the  Queen.  I  took  advantage  of  this  opportunity  and  laid 
the  state  of  the  prisons  before  the  King,  telling  him  at  the 
same  time  that  I  had  a  petition  for  him  which  I  meant  to 
make  before  leaving  the  palace.  After  an  amusing  time  with 
the  children  my  brother  Joseph  withdrew  with  the  King 
into  a  private  room,  where,  for  about  an  hour  he  gave  him 
attention  whilst  he  thoroughly  enlarged  upon  the  state  of 
theii-  West  India  Islands.  I  staid  with  the  Queen,  but  after 
awhile  went  to  tbem  and  did  entreat  the  King  for  the  poor 
Baptists  in  prison,  and  for  religious  toleration.  I  did  my 
best,  in  few  words,  to  express  my  mind,  and  very  strongly  I 
did  it.  I  also  gave  Luther's  sentiments  upon  the  subject. 
....  On  Seventh-day  (one  of  our  fullest  days)  we  drove 
cut  into  the  country  to  visit  the  King's  sister,  the  Land- 
gravine of  Hesse  Cassel,  the  Prince  her  husband,  brother  to 
the  Duchess  of  Cambridge,  and  the  lovely  Princesses,  her 
daughters.  We  endeavored  to  turn  these  visits  to  account 
by  our  conversation.  In  the  evening  we  held  one  of  our 
very  large  Meetings.  I  trust  that  we  were  both  so  helped 
to  speak  the  truth  in  love  on  various  and  very  important 
subjects  as  to  assist  the  causes  nearest  our  hearts,  for  our 
poor  fellow-mortals.  It  did  not  appear  desuable  to  allude 
to  the  persecuted  Christians :  as  we  had  laid  theii-  case  be- 
iore  the  King  we  might  have  done  harm  by  it.    But  I  fee] 


824 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


the  way  in  •which  Protestant  Europe  is  persecuting  to  be  a 
subject  that  cannot  and  must  not  be  allowed  to  rest.  Where 
we  now  are,  the  same  old  Lutherans  whom  we  found  perse- 
cuted in  Prussia  are  persecuting  others. 

"  The  way  in  which  ceremonies  are  depended  upon  is  won- 
derful. No  person  is  allowed  to  fill  any  office,  civil  or  relig- 
ious, until  confirmed, — not  even  to  marry !  and  when  once 
confirmed  we  hear  that  it  leads  to  a  feeling  of  such  security 
spiritually  that  they  think  themselves  at  liberty  to  do  as 
they  like.    Sadly  numerous  are  the  instances  of  moral  fall. 

"  These  very  weighty  subjects  so  deeply  occupying  my 
attention,  and  being  separated  from  so  many  beloved  onea 
prevent  the  lively  enjoyment  I  should  otherwise  feel  in  some 
of  the  scenes  we  pass  through ;  but  I  see  this  to  be  well, 
and  in  the  right  ordering  of  Providence.  I  have  the  kind- 
est attendants  and  everything  to  make  me  comfortable. 

"  On  First-day  morning  we  had  a  very  interesting  meet- 
ing with  the  poor  Baptists.  We  then  again  went  into  the 
country  to  lay  all  our  statements  before  the  King  and 
Queen.  I  read  the  one  about  the  prisons  and  the  perse- 
cuted Christians,  and  my  brother  read  the  one  about  the 
West  Indies ;  we  had  them  translated  into  Danish  for  the 
King  to  read  at  the  same  time.  After  pressing  these  as 
strongly  as  we  felt  right,  we  expressed  our  religious  con- 
cern and  desii-es  for  the  King  and  Queen.  I  read  a  little 
to  them  in  one  of  Paul's  epistles  ;  after  that  I  felt  that  I 
must  commit  them  and  these  in:iportant  causes  to  Him  who 
alone  can  touch  the  heart.  We  had  a  very  handsome  lunch- 
eon, when  I  was  again  seated  between  the  King  and  Queen. 
I  may  say  their  kindness  to  me  was  very  great. 

"  On  Seeond-day  morning  we  formed  a  Society  for  attend- 
ing to  poor  prisoners — gentlemen  and  ladies;  and  then 
paid  a  most  delightful  farewell  visit  to  the  Queen  and  Prin- 
cess. I  forgot  to  mention  a  very  interesting  visit  to  the 
Queen  Dowager." 


TEIBD,  POmsTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THB  CONTINENT.  325 

They  relumed,  by  Lubeck,  to  Hambm-g,  whence  Mrs. 
Fry  wrote  to  her  family  : 

Hamburg,  Ninth  Month,  Zrd. 

•  ••••• 

"We  last  night  finished  our  labors  in  these  Hanse  Towns. 
We  have  labored  in  them  in  various  ways,  particularly  in 
this  large  and  important  town.  We  have  boldly  set  our 
faces  against  religious  persecution,  and  upheld  religious 
tolerance  and  Christian  unity  in  the  Church  of  Christ.  We 
have  also  labored  about  their  prisons,  and  expect  to  have 
many  evUs  mitigated.  It  is  extraordinary  the  good  fellow- 
ship and  love  we  have  enjoyed  with  numbers.  In  a  spu-it- 
ual  sense,  fathers,  mothers,  brothers  and  sisters  given  to  us, 
and  helpers  most  curiously  and  constantly  raised  up  from 
place  to  place." 

From  Hamburg  they  proceeded  towards  Hanover  by  way 
of  Minden  and  Pyrmont,  again  visiting  the  Friends  in  these 
places.  The  visit  is  described  in  a  letter  to  her  youngest 
daughter. 

*^ Hanover,  Ninth  Month,  Qth,  1841. 
"I  cannot  express  the  fulness  of  my  love  and  interest  for 
my  children,  in  their  different  allotments,  and  how  often  I 
think  of  you  and  your  families  before  the  Lord,  in  my  quiet 
meditations.  We  arrived  here  after  finishing  our  interest- 
ing and  satisfactory  visits  to  our  dear  Friends  at  IVIinden 
and  Pyrmont.  I  felt  it  refreshing  being  again  with  these 
dear,  simple-hearted  people,  and  I  do  think  they  are  useful 
in  their  allotments.  How  much  I  should  like  you  to  have 
Been  us  dining  with  them  at  Friedensthal ;  such  a  numerous 
family,  grandmother,  children,  grandchildi-en,  in  a  lai-ge 
room,  and  a  beautiful  and  most  hospitable  German  dinner. 
We  not  only  were  favored  with  outward  refreshment  but  it 


326 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


reminded  me  of  the  disciples  forinerly  who  went  from  house 
to  house  breaking-  bread  and  giving  thanks ;  and  I  desired 
that  we  might  do  as  they  did,  '  eat  our  meat  with  gladness 
and  singleness  of  heart.'  I  hope  there  was  something  of 
this  spirit.  The  country  is  lovely.  I  retu'ed  for  rest  on  a 
little  German  bed  whilst  my  companions  took  a  ride  on 
horseback  over  the  beautif  ai  hills.  We  had  a  very  interest- 
ing Meeting,  largely  attended  by  the  company  who  come 
here  to  drink  the  waters  and  by  the  Pyrmontese.  At  Min- 
den  the  Friends  are  in  more  humble  life.  I  could  not  but 
be  struck  with  the  peculiar  contrast  of  my  circumstances; 
in  the  moi-ning  traversing  the  bad  pavement  of  a  street  ia 
Minden  with  a  poor  old  Friend,  in  a  sort  of  knitted  cap 
close  to  her  head,  in  the  evening  surrounded  by  the  Prince 
and  Princesses  of  a  German  court ;  for  to  our  surprise  Dr. 
Julius's  sister  followed  us  to  Minden  to  inform  us  that  ia 
the  town  of  Bukeburg  which  we  had  passed  through  there 
was  a  desire  expressed  that  we  should  hold  a  meeting,  and 
that  the  reigning  Princess  wished  us  to  go  to  the  palace. 
After  some  consideration  we  agreed  to  go,  and  upon  our 
anival  in  the  town  found  a  large  meeting  of  the  gentry  as- 
sembling. Sometime  afterwards  the  Prince  and  Princesses 
and  theu*  family  came  in.  They  rule  the  state  of  Lippe 
Scbouenburg,  one  of  the  small,  rich  German  states.  I  en- 
deavored to  speak  the  truth  boldly  in  love,  drawing  results 
from  my  experience  in  prisons,  and  seeking,  as  ability  was 
granted  me,  to  bring  it  home  to  the  hearts  of  those  pres- 
ent. Your  uncle  also  spoke  to  the  same  purpose.  After- 
wards we  had  a  very  agreeable  visit  to  the  palace  where  we 
were  most  cordially  received  and  had  tea  at  five  o'clock ; 
there  were  many  to  meet  us.  After  this  singular  visit  we 
proceeded  here,  but  did  not  arrive  until  twelve  o'clock  at 
night,  having  had  two  meetings  at  Minden  and  one  at  Buke- 
burg. We  were  completely  tired;  almost  too  much  so. 
To-day  we  are  busy  here,  and  I  am  delighted  to  find  the 
dear  late  Queen  really  had  tha  chains  knocked  oflf  the  poor 


THIBD,  FODBTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  327 

prisoners  at  Hameln.  It  was  deliglitful  to  see  their  liappy, 
grateful  faces.  They  looked  as  if  they  knew  that  we  had 
pleaded  for  them.  I  think  it  was  one  of  the  pleasautest 
visits  I  ever  paid,  and  to  find  that  the  prisoners  had  be- 
haved so  well  since,  and  that  the  kindness  shown  them  had 
had  so  good  an  effect.  We  are  novr  much  occupied  in  an- 
swering an  interesting  letter  from  the  King  of  Hanover  to 
me,  and  as  I  have  many  weighty  things  to  say  to  him,  I 
fear  I  must  leave  off,  being  very  tired  and  expecting  a  large 
party  this  evening." 

The  evening  proved  particulary  satisfactory,  and  after 
meeting  the  prison  committess  the  following  day,  they  set 
out  for  Berlin  by  way  of  Magdensburg,  diverging  on  the 
second  day  to  visit  Wittembei-g. 

After  examining  the  prisons  in  Berlin,  and  presenting 
their  recommendations  to  the  proper  authorities,  the  party, 
by  special  invitation,  followed  the  Eoyal  Family  to  their 
summer  retreat  in  Silesia.  No  record  of  this  visit  was  pre- 
served by  Mrs.  Fry,  except  in  a  letter  to  her  grandchildren ; 
but  the  following  extracts  from  an  account  by  one  of  her 
companions  give  a  lively  picture  of  her  work.  After  de- 
scribing the  various  locations  of  different  members  of  tho 
House  of  Brandenberg,  many  of  whom  were  estimable 
Christians,  the  writer  says : 

"To  many  of  the  Eoyal  Family,  Elizabeth  Fry  had  been 
introduced  in  the  previous  year  at  Beriiii,  and  the  Prinjess 
Frederick  of  the  Netherlands  had  been  visited  by  her  at  her 
own  beautiful  home  near  the  Hague  sometime  before.  It 
was  a  lovely  spot  in  which  Elizabeth  Fry  now  found  her 
tent  pitched  for  awhile.  To  a  mere  passing  traveler  there 
was  much  to  delight  and  to  please ;  but  still  more  of  deep 
interest  to  those  who  could  in  any  degree  enter  into  the 


S28 


ELIZABETH  FR7. 


Koyal  domestic  circles  there  assembled,  and  this  Elizabeth 
Fry  was  privileged  to  do,  with  much  enjoyment,  and  with 
an  earnest  desire  to  be  permitted  to  be  useful  and  faithful 
in  all  her  intercourse  with  them.  The  morning  was 
usually  passed  in  writing  and  preparing  important  docu- 
ments on  the  Prison,  Slavery,  and  other  questions,  and  the 
afternoon  in  some  visit  to  one  of  the  palaces,  which  had 
been  previously  arranged.  The  First-day  was  replete  with 
interest.  In  the  early  part  of  it  it  was  necessary  to  finish 
an  address  to  the  King  on  Eeligious  Toleration,  and  on 
matters  connected  with  the  Prisons. 

"Elizabeth  Fry  was  at  that  time  suffering  from  great 
debihty  and  fatigue ;  but  a  power  not  her  own  seemed 
granted  her  to  rise  above  her  infirmities,  and  to  meet  the 
various  duties  which  on  that  day  were  given  her  to  fulfil. 
It  is  only  those  who  held  intimate  communication  with  her 
at  these  times  who  can,  in  any  measure,  understand  the  ex- 
treme nervousness  of  her  constitution  on  the  one  hand,  or, 
on  the  other,  the  amount  of  strength  granted  her  in  every 
time  of  need.  She  prayed  that  in  nothing  might  she  seek 
herself,  in  all,  Christ  Jesus;  and  that  all  which  He  laid 
upon  her  for  His  glory  and  the  good  of  her  fellow-creature? 
she  might  I'ightly  and  faithfully  perform.  The  long  anU 
interesting  papers  which  had  been  prepared  for  the  King 
were  again  perused  during  the  diive  to  Princess  William's 
Palace  which  was  reached  about  one  o'clock,  she  having 
called  on  the  way  at  Buchwald  for  the  excellent  Countess 
(Eeden)  whose  ever  ready  aid  was  given  to  support  and 
help  her,  and  who,  in  the  present  instance,  interpi-eted  Eliza- 
beth Fry's  words  for  the  Princess.  Many  other  ladies  were 
assembled  at  the  Palace,  and  after  some  conversation  of  a 
genei'al  nature  every  one  remained  in  silence  to  listen  to 
what  she  might  have  to  say  to  them.  This  opportunity  of 
addressing  Gospel  truth  to  such  a  company  she  dared  not 
pass  by.  Every  word  appeared  to  be  listened  to  with  the 
deepest  attention  by  all  present.    She  spoke  of  the  impor- 


THIBD,  FOURTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  329 

tance  of  upbolding  a  religious  standard  in  the  world;  of 
making-  a  final  and  decisive  choice  in  these  matters ;  of 
taking  Christ  as  the  only  portion  and  rejecting  all  besides. 
She  impressed  upon  her  hearers  the  duties  incumbent  on 
persons  of  a  higher  class,  of  using  their  influence  with 
others  for  good,  and  not  for  evil.  She  spoke  of  the  privi- 
lege of  possessing  such  means  of  usefulness.  Very  solemnly 
she  urged  upon  all  heads  of  large  establishments  the  vast 
amount  of  responsibility  entrusted  to  them;  the  prevention 
of  crime,  and  the  good  to  be  derived  even  by  silent  example, 
and  by  the  daily  reading  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  to  the  as- 
sembled family.  She  added  an  account  of  the  experiences 
of  many  prisoners,  as  to  the  blessing  of  being  placed  in  pro- 
fessedly religious  families,  and  the  awful  temptations  pre- 
sented to  the  servants  of  those  who  take  no  care  for  their 
souls,  and  are  neglecting  their  eternal  interests.  Many 
tears  were  shed  on  this  occasion  and  all  seemed  anxious  to 
share  her  sympathy  and  love. 

"  During  her  stay  in  Silesia  Elizabeth  Fry  had  opportu- 
nities of  intercourse  with  the  poor  Tyrolese  who,  having 
fled  from  their  native  Zillertbal,  on  account  of  the  religious 
persecution  which  they  endured  from  the  Austrian  Govern- 
ment, bad  thrown  themselves  under  the  protection  of  the 
late  King  of  Prussia,  and  by  him  had  been  placed  under 
the  care  of  the  Countess  Eeden  who  had  proved  herself  in- 
deed a  nursing  mother  to  them.  .  .  .  She  had  cottages 
built  for  them  in  true  Swiss  style,  with  large  balconies  and 
long  roofs,  and  established  for  them  schools,  and  in  every 
possible  way  employed  and  instructed  them.  Ever  thought- 
ful of  their  interest,  the  Countess  invited  them  to  come  to 
Buchwald  on  that  evening  to  receive  encouragement  and 
comfort  from  Elizabeth  Fry ;  she  having  expressed  her 
anxious  wish  to  hold  some  communication  with  them  in 
Christian  love.  A  meeting  was  appointed  for  them  on  this 
First-day  evening.  The  King  and  Queen  and  other  mem- 
bers of  the  Koyal  Family  arrived  to  attend  it.    At  length 


330 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


came  the  exiles  from  Zilleithal,  forming  a  curious  and  pi<v 
turesque  group  dressed  in  the  costume  of  their  country ; 
both  men  and  women  in  dark  green  clothes  and  high- 
pointed  hats,  many  of  the  latter  ornamented  with  garlands 
and  nosegays  of  flowers.  A  long  table  was  placed  at  one 
end  of  the  room,  at  which  the  Zillerthalians  sat,  and  in  front 
of  it  was  a  Moravian  brother,  for  whom  the  good  Countess 
had  sent  forty  miles,  to  act  as  interpreter.  On  the  right 
band  of  the  table  were  seated  the  Koyal  family  and  others, 
and  many  stood  crowding  round  the  door.  It  would  be 
scarcely  possible  to  describe  the  deep  interest  of  that  whole 
group,  or  the  solemn  silence  which  prevailed  when  Eliza- 
beth Fry  began  to  speak. 

"After  J.  J.  Gurney  had  in  a  few  words,  prepared  the 
way  for  her,  she  rose  with  much  solemnity  and  earnestness.-" 
Never  did  she  address  any  assembly  more  beautifully,  with 
more  unction,  or  more  truly  from  the  depths  of  her  heart, 
and  no  audience  could  have  given  more  profound  attention 
to  every  word  she  uttered.  She  invited  them  all  to  a  close 
dependence  upon  Jesus  Christ,  and  urged  a  fuU,  firm,  con- 
stant trust  in  Him  as  their  Lord  and  their  Saviour,  their 
King  and  their  God. 

"  With  her  usual  clearness  and  power  each  individual, 
each  class  present,  seemed  included  in  her  address.  It  was 
the  first  occasion  on  which  she  had  seen  the  Kingf  since 
his  accession  to  the  throne,  and  she  knew  too  that  it  was 
the  first  time  of  his  meeting  many  there  present  as  their 
sovereign.    Her  words  of  sympathy  to  him  on  the  death  of 


•  J.  J.  Gurney  states  in  his  Journal  that  by  request  of  the  King,  who 
tyished  to  save  her  fatigue,  she  spoke  from  her  seat — probably  after 
the  commencement.  But  this  is  noteworthy  as  an  instance  where  two 
perfectly  candid,  and  probably  entirely  truthful  eye-witnesses  make 
statements  which  seem  diametrically  opposed  to  each  other,  and  yet 
ire  not  so,  each  statement  being  in  itself  incomplete. 

t  Frederick  William  IV,  brother  of  the  Emperor  William  r. 


THIRD,  FOURTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THB  CCNTINjiST.  oil 

his  father,  and  her  estimate  of  his  present  important  posi 
tion  in  Europe,  which  she  spoke  for  herself  as  well  as  for 
those  about  her,  were  beautifully  adapted  to  the  occasion. 
Joseph  John  Gurney  added  a  few  words ;  afterwards  a  hymn 
was  sung  led  by  the  Moravian  brethren ;  and  then  the  Tyro- 
lese  departed.  Every  one  flocked  around  her  with  a  word 
of  love  or  kindness,  but  none  expressed  more  interest,  or 
more  gratitude,  than  the  King  himself." 

Mrs.  Fry's  own  brief  account  to  her  grandchildren  will 
not  be  found  tedious,  even  wheie  it  treats  of  the  same  sub.^ 
ject  as  the  preceding. 

**  I^ischbaeh. 

"My  much-loved  Geandchildeex: 

Instead  of  my  private  Journal  I  am  disposed  to  writs 
you  from  this  very  lovely  and  interesting  place.  I  am  not 
very  well  in  health  but  I  may  thankfully  acknowledg-e,  that 
although  tried  by  it  for  awhile,  such  sweet  peace  was  granted 
me  that  I  was  permitted  to  feel  it  sleeping  as  well  as  wak* 
lug ;  so  that  1  may  say,  my  Lord  restored  my  soul,  and  I 
fully  expect  is  healing,  and  will  heal,  my  body.  I  think  a 
more  interesting  neighborhood  I  never  heard  of,  than  the 
one  we  are  in.  These  lovely  mountains  have  beautiful  pal- 
aces scattered  about  them ;  one  belonging  to  the  King, 
others  to  Prince  William,  Prince  Frederick,  and  other  Princ- 
es and  Princesses,  not  royal ;  besides  several  to  the  nobility* 
But  what  delights  my  heart  is  that  almost  all  these  palaces 
are  inhabited  by  Christian  families — some  of  most  remark- 
able brightness.  Then  we  And  a  large  establishment  with 
numerous  cottages  in  the  Swiss  style,  inhabited  by  a  little 
colony  of  Tyrolese.  They  fled  from  Zillerthal  because  tliey 
suffered  so  much  on  account  of  theii-  religious  principles, 
being  Protestants.  The  late  King  of  Prussia  allowed  them 
to  take  refuge  in  these  mountains,  and  built  them  these 
beautiful  cottages.    We  therefore  rejoice  in  the  belief 


532 


BLIZABBTB  TRS. 


in  the  cottages  as  well  as  the  palaces  there  are  many  faith- 
ful servants  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  This  evening  we  are 
to  hold  a  meeting  for  such  as  can  attend  at  the  mansion  of 
the  Countess  Reden  who  is  like  a  mother  in  Israel  to  rich 
and  poor.  We  dined  at  her  castle  yesterday.  I  think  the 
palaces  for  simple  country  beauty  exceed  anything  I  ever 
saw.  The  diawing-rooms  are  so  filled  with  flo-ners  that 
they  are  like  green-houses,  beautifully  built,  and  with  the 
finest  views  of  the  mountains.  "We  dined  at  the  Princes 
William's  with  several  of  the  Eoyal  Family ;  the  Queen 
came  afterwards.  She  appeared  much  pleased  with  my  de- 
light on  hearing  that  the  King  had  stopped  religious  perse- 
cutions in  the  country,  and  that  several  other  things  had 
been  improved  since  our  last  visit.  It  is  a  very  gi-eat  com- 
fort to  believe  that  our  efforts  for  the  good  of  others  have 
been  blessed — may  we  be  thankful  enough  for  it.  Yester- 
day we  paid  a  very  interesting  visit  to  the  Queen,  then  to 
Prince  Frederick  of  Holland  and  his  Princess,  sister  to  the 
King  of  Prussia ;  with  her  we  had  much  serious  conversa- 
tion on  many  important  subjects,  as  we  had  also  with  the 
Queen.  Dined  early  at  the  Countess  Eeden's.  The  Prin- 
cess William  and  her  daughter,  the  Princess  Mai'y,  joined  us 
in  the  afternoon,  with  several  others.  How  delighted  you 
would  be  with  the  Countess  and  her  sister  ;  they  show  the 
beauty  of  holiness.  Although  looked  up  to  by  all  they  ap- 
pear so  humble,  so  moderate  in  everthing.  I  think  the 
Christian  ladies  on  the  Continent  dress  far  more  simply  than 
those  in  England.  The  Countess  appeared  very  liberal,  but 
extravagant  in  nothing.  A  handsome  dinner,  but  only  one 
sort  of  wine,  and  all  accordingly.  To  please  us  she  had 
apple-dumplings  which  were  thought  quite  a  curiosity,  and 
they  really  were  very  nice.  The  company  stood  stili  beloio 
and  after  dinner  instead  of  saying  grace. 

Afternoon. — We  are  just  returned  from  Prince  Wil- 
Jiam's  where  we  have  had  a  Meeting  of  a  very  interesting 
jxatui'e.    Many  ladies  were  assembled  to  meet  us  that  I 


THIRD,  FOURTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  333 


might  give  them  some  account  of  my  experience  in  prisons 
Yom-  uuc'e  adufd  some  account  of  bis  journey  to  the  West 
Indies.  We  expressed  our  desire  that  the  blessing  of  God 
might  be  with  them.  Great  love  w  as  shown  us :  indeed 
they  treat  me  moielike  a  sister  than  a  poor  humble  indi- 
vidual as  I  feel  myself  to  be.  On  our  return  we  met  the 
King :  we  rather  expect  he  will  be  at  our  meeting  at  the 
Countess  Reden's  this  evening. 

"  Second-day  Morning. — We  returned  from  our  interest- 
ing Meeting  at  the  Countess's  about  eleven  in  the  evening. 
The  Royal  Family  were  assembled,  and  numbers  of  the  no- 
bility ;  after  awhile  the  King  and  Queen  arrived.  The  poor 
Tyrolese  flocked  in  numbers.  I  doubt  such  a  meeting  ever 
having  been  held  before  anywhere — the  curious  mixture  of 
all  ranks  and  conditions.  My  poor  heart  almost  failed  me. 
Most  earnestly  did  I  pray  for  best  help,  and  not  unduly  to 
fear  man.  The  Royal  Family  sat  together,  or  neaily  so; 
the  King  and  Queen,  Princess  William,  Princess  Frederick, 
Princess  Mary,  Prince  AViliiam,  Prince  Charles,  brother  to 
the  King,  Prince  Frederick  of  the  Netherlands,  young 
Prince  William,  beside  many  other  Princes  and  Princesses 
not  royal.  They  began  with  a  hymn  in  German.  Yovir 
uncle  Joseph  spoke  for  a  little  while,  explaining  our  views 
on  worship.  Then  I  enlarged  upon  the  changes  that  had 
taken  place  since  I  was  last  in  Prussia,  mentioned  the  late 
King's  kindness  to  those  poor  Tyrol  ese  in  then-  afUiction 
and  distress :  afterwards  addressed  these  poor  people,  and 
then  those  of  high  rank,  and  felt  greatly  helped  to  speak 
the  truth  to  them  in  love.  They  appeared  very  attentive 
and  feeling.  I  also,  at  the  close  of  my  exhortation,  ex- 
pressed my  prayer  for  them.  Then  your  uncle  Joseph 
spoke  fully  on  the  great  truths  of  the  Gospel,  and  showed 
that  the  prince  as  well  as  the  peasant  would  have  to  give 
an  account  of  himself  to  God.  In  conclusion  he  expressed 
his  prayer  for  them.  They  finished  with  another  hymn. 
It  was  a  solemn  time.    We  afterwards  had  interesting  con- 


S34 


CLIZABBTB  SHY. 


versation  for  about  an  hour.    When  the  King  and  Queen 

were  gone  Tve  were  enabled  to  pray  with  the  Countess  for 
herself  and  her  sister  that  all  their  labors  in  the  Lord's  ser- 
vice might  be  blessed.  Now,  my  much-loved  gi-andchildren, 
let  me  remind  you  that  we  must  be  humbled  and  take  up 
the  Crosr>  of  Christ  if  we  desii-e  to  be  made  use  of  by  the 
Lord.  'Him  that  honoreth  me  will  I  honor.'  May  you 
confess  youi-  Lord  before  men,  and  He  will  then  assui-edly 
confess  and  honor  you.  I  can  assure  you  when  surrounded 
by  so  many  who  are  willing  to  hear  me,  I  feel  greatly 
bumbled. 

"I  wish  dear  Frank  to  read  this  as  my  eldest  grandchild 
and  one  in  whom  I  take  so  tender  an  interest.  Indeed,  my 
beloved  grandchildi-en  you  dwell  very  near  my  heart ;  may 
the  same  Holy  Spirit  who  has  helped  and  guided  your 
grandmother,  help  and  guide  you! 

"  May  the  Lord  bless  and  keep  you  and  raise  you  up  for 
His  own  service  ;  for  it  is  a  most  blessed  service.  Dearest 
love  to  your  fathers  and  mothers:  I  am 

Your  most  loving  grandmother, 

E.  F." 

*'  It  was  on  this  occasion  the  Princess  William  gave  an 
account  of  the  great  prison  at  Jauer,  and  the  King  ex- 
pressed a  strong  wish  that  Elizabeth  Fry  should  see  it, 
though  considerably  out  of  her  route.  This  visit  was  after* 
wards  accomplished.  It  proved  one  of  mournful  interest. 
In  one  cell  was  a  murderer,  in  another  a  man  of  well-known 
desperate  character;  they  were  both  most  cruelly  fettered 
to  prevent  their  escape  through  the  window.  Each  was 
fastened  to  an  iron  staple  in  the  floor,  with  a  heavy  iron 
bar  across  the  shoulder,  to  make  any  movement  irksome. 
Theu'  condition  was  afterwards  represented  by  Elizabeth 
Fry  to  the  King  who  ordered  their  chains  to  be  lightened, 
and  commanded  that  immediate  attention  should  be  paid 
to  their  health,  &c. 


THIED,  POtJKTH  AND  PIPTH  V1SIT3  TO  THE  OONTINEOT.  ^35 

"  Many  of  the  prisoners  oh  this  occasion  were  assembled 
in  the  chapel,  when  both  J.  J.  Gurney  and  Elizabeth  Fry 
spoke  to  them  at  considerable  length.  Their  addresses 
were  interpreted  by  the  Moravian  brother  from  Buchwald, 
whose  attendance  at  the  prison  had  been  commanded  for 
that  purpose."  * 

"  Ermansdorf,  Ninth  Month,  IQth. 
"This  morning  we  visited  the  King  and  Queen  after  oui 
very  interesting  Meeting  last  evening  which  they  attended, 
at  the  Countess  Eeden's  ;  a  meeting  never  to  be  forgotten. 
We  went  with  a  long  document  to  the  King  and  Queen 
about  the  prisoners,  and  various  other  subjects.  We  were 
received  with  the  utmost  kindness  and  remained  with  them 
nearly  two  hours  and  a  half.  We  also  had  a  reading  of  the 
Holy  Scriptui'es  and  I  prayed  for  them.    We  parted  in 

love  I  wish  I  could  fully  describe  the  deep 

interest  we  have  had  in  this  journey,  and  how  marked  has 
been  the  kindness  of  Providence  towards  us  in  many  ways, 
and  how  blessed  is  His  service.  I  certainly  think  the  in- 
habitants of  the  mountains  of  Silesia  the  most  interesting 
and  curious  assemblage  of  persons  I  ever  met  with.  We, 
from  this  place,  see  those  beautiful  mountains,  the  Reisen- 
burg,  in  their  splendor,  the  morning  being  very  fine  and 
bright;  probably  the  last  time  I  shall  ever  see  them — 
though  the  King  and  Queen  begged  me  to  return ;  but  this 
I  never  expect  to  do,  for  I  find  the  roughs  of  the  journey 
are,  with  all  my  numerous  indulgences,  far  too  much  for 
me,  and  I  often  feel  very  nearly  ill.  I  think  through  all  I 
have  seldom  had  more  reason  to  bolieve  that  I  have  been 
called  to  any  service." 

It  soon  became  evident  to  both  Elizabeth  Fry  and  friends 
that  her  lease  of  strength  for  this  journey  was  about  ex. 


*  liUe  by  S.  Col  der. 


836 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


hausted,  and  they  turned  theii-  steps  homeward,  arriving  at 
Dover  on  the  2nd  of  October,  where  she  was  met  by  her 
husband  "  who  was  little  prepared  for  the  debilitated  state 
in  which  she  was  brought  back  to  him."  Two  or  three 
months  of  rest,  however,  enabled  her  again  to  appear  cau- 
tiously in  public.  During  this  interval  of  rest  she  carried 
on  an  extensive  correspondence  and  received  heart-cheering 
reports  of  the  results  of  her  labors. 

On  the  14th  of  January  she  records  a  visit  from  the  dis- 
tinguished Baron  Bunseu,  whose  son  Earnest  afterwards 
married  her  niece  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Samuel  Gurney, 
who  had  twice  accompanied  her  aunt  to  the  continent. 

"  We  had  an  interesting  visit  from  the  Chevalier  Bunsen, 
(the  Prussian  Minister,)  and  his  wife,  in  which  I  was  en- 
abled to  relieve  my  mind,  by  speaking  to  him  on  some 
weighty  subjects,  after  a  solemn  Scripture  reading  and 
prayer.  I  felt  relieved  by  it,  as  I  had  borne  him  much  in 
mind,  believing  him  to  be  a  sincere  and  Christian  man." 

On  the  17tb  of  January,  1842,  she  attended  a  dinner  at 
the  Lord  Mayor's  house  in  London,  specially  arranged  by 
the  Lord  Mayor's  wife,  who  was  one  of  her  co-adjutors  in 
prison  reform,  that  she  might  meet  Prince  Albert  and 
others  whose  influence  would  further  their  objects.  Hon- 
ors and  successes  had  not  blinded  her  eyes  to  the  Source 
'whence  all  good  coirjes,  and  as  usaal  she  entc  ed  upon  the 
work  with  earnest  prayer. 

"First  Month,  11th. — Be  pleased,  O  Lord,  to  be  very  near 
to  us  this  day,  and  help  us  to  adorn  Thy  doctrine,  and  to 
speak  the  riglit  thicg  in  the  right  way,  that  the  Cause  of 
tiuth,  righteousness  a:id  mercy  may  be  promoted! 

"18</i. — Through  condescending  mercy  I   may  say  I 


THIED,  FOURTH  AND  FIITH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  337 


found  this  prayer  answered.  I  had  an  important  conversa- 
tion on  a  female  prison  being  built  with  Sir  James  Graham, 
our  present  Secretary  of  State;  upon  the  Patronage 
Society,  &c.  I  think  it  was  a  very  important  beginning 
with  him  for  our  British  Society.  With  Lord  Aberdeen, 
Foreign  Secretary,  T  spoke  on  some  matters  connected  with 
the  present  state  of  the  Continent.  With  Lord  Stanley,, 
our  Colonial  Secretary,  upon  the  state  of  our  penal  colonies, 
and  the  condition  of  the  women  in  them,  hoping  to  open 
the  door  for  further  communication  with  him  on  those  sub- 
jects. Nearly  the  whole  dinner  was  occupied  in  deeply 
interesting-  conversation  with  Prince  Albert  and  Sir  Robert 
Peel.  With  the  Prince  I  spoke  very  seriously  on  the 
Christian  education  of  their  children,  the  management  of 
the  nursery,  the  infinite  importance  of  a  holy  and  religious 
life ;  how  I  had  seen  it  in  all  ranks  of  life — no  real  peace  or 
prosperity  without  it.  Then  the  state  of  Europe ;  the  ad- 
vancement of  religion  in  the  Continental  courts.  Then 
prisons  ;  their  present  state  in  this  country — my  fear  that 
oui'  punishments  were  becoming  too  severe — my  wish  that 
the  Queen  should  be  informed  of  some  particulars  respect- 
ing separate  confinement,  &c.,  &c.  We  also  had  much  inter- 
esting conversation  about  my  journey,  the  state  of  Europe, 
habits  of  countries,  mode  of  living,  &c.,  &c.  With  Sir-  Rob- 
ert Peel  I  dwelt  much  more  on  the  prison  subject.  I  ex- 
pressed my  fears  that  gaolers  had  too  much  power,  that 

punishment  w  os  lendered  uncertain  and  often  too  severe  

pressed  upon  him  the  need  of  mercy,  and  begged  him  to 
Bee  the  New  Prison,  and  to  have  the  dark  cells  a  little 
altered." 

A  few  days  after  this  event  the  King  of  Prussia  visited 
London  to  stand  as  sponsor  to  the  infant  Prince  of  Wales. 
During  this  visit  he  requested  Elizabeth  Fry  to  meet  him 
at  the  Mansion  House  where  they  partook  of  lunch,  pro- 


338 


ELIZABETH  FEY. 


vided  by  the  Lord  Mayor,  who,  at  her  special  request, 
arranged  to  have  no  toasts.  At  this  time  the  King  planned 
to  meet  her  the  following  morning  at  Newgate  and  after- 
wards take  lunch  with  her  at  her  home  in  Upton  Lane. 
Her  account  of  these  incidents  presents  one  of  the  finest 
episodes  in  human  history. 

"First  Month,  29«/j,  (1842.)— To-mon'ow  the  King  of 
Prussia  has  appointed  me  to  meet  him  to  luncheon  at  the 
Mansion  House.  I  have  rather  felt  its  being  the  Sabbath ; 
but  as  all  is  to  be  conducted  in  a  quiet,  suitable  and  most 
orderly  manner,  consistent  with  the  day,  I  am  quite  easy 
to  go.  May  my  most  holy,  merciful  Lord  be  near  to  me  as 
my  Helper,  my  Keeper,  and  my  Counsellor.    My  dearest 

husband  and  K  ■  are  to  go  with  me.    Oh !  may  my  way 

be  made  plain  before  me  as  to  what  to  do,  what  to  leave 
undone ;  when  to  speak,  and  when  to  be  silent. 

"30i/j,  First-day. — I  felt  low  and  far  from  well  when  I 
set  off  this  morning  for  London ;  but  through  the  tender 
mercy  of  my  God,  soon  after  sitting  down  in  Meeting  I 
partook  of  much  peace.  I  Avas  humbled  before  my  Lord 
in  remembrance  of  days  that  are  past,  when  I  used  to  at- 
tend that  meeting  (Gracechurch  Street)  almost  heart-broken 
from  sorrow  upon  sorrow;  and  I  remembered  how  my 
Lord  sustained  me,  and  made  my  way  in  the  deep  waters. 
He  also  raised  me  up,  and  then  He  forsook  me  not.  I  was 
enabled  very  earnestly  to  pray  to  my  God  for  help,  du-ec- 
tion  and  preservation. 

"  After  this  solemn  and  refreshing  Meeting  we  went  to 
the  Mansion  House.    We  waited  sometime  in  the  di*awino-- 

O 

room  before  the  King  arrived  from  St.  Paul's  Cathedral. 
I  have  seldom  seen  any  person  more  faithfully  kind  and 
friendly  than  he  is.  The  Duke  of  Cambridge  was  also 
there,  and  many  others  who  accompanied  the  King.  We 
had  much  deeply  important  conversation  on  various  irnpor- 


THIED,  FOUBTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  339 

tant  subjects  of  mutual  interest.  We  spoke  of  the  christen- 
ing. I  dwelt  on  its  pomp  as  undesirable,  &c. ;  then  upon 
Episcopacy  and  its  dangers ;  on  prisons ;  on  the  marriage 
of  the  Princess  Mai-y  of  Prussia ;  on  the  Sabbath.  I  en. 
treated  the  Lord  IMayor  to  have  no  toasts,  to  which  he 
acceded,  and  the  King  approved ;  but  it  was  no  light  or 
easy  matter.  I  rejoice  to  believe  my  efforts  were  right.  I 
told  the  King  my  objection  to  anything  of  the  kind  being 
allowed  by  the  Lord  Mayor  on  that  day ;  indeed  I  expressed 
my  disapprobation  of  them  altogether.  I  may  at  the  end 
of  this  weighty  day  return  thanks  to  my  most  gracious  Lord 
and  Master  who  has  granted  me  His  help  and  the  sweet 
feeling  of  His  love. 

"  /Second  Month,  1st. — Yesterday  was  a  day  never  to  be 
forgotten  while  memory  lasts.  We  set  off  about  eleven 
o'clock,  my  sister  Gui'ney  and  myself,  to  meet  the  King  of 
Prussia  at  Newgate.  I  proceeded  with  the  Lady  Mayoress 
to  Newgate  where  we  were  met  by  many  gentlemen.  My 
dear  brother  and  sister  Gurney,  and  Susanna  Corder  being 
with  me  was  a  great  comfort.  We  waited  so  long  for  the 
King  that  I  feared  he  would  not  come,  however  at  last  he 
arrived  and  the  Lady  Mayoress  and  I,  accompanied  by  the 
Sheriffs,  went  to  meet  the  King  at  the  door  of  the  prison. 
He  appeared  much  pleased  to  meet  our  little  party  and 
after  taking  a  little  refreshment  he  gave  me  his  arm  and  we 
proceeded  into  the  prison  and  up  to  one  of  the  long  wards 
whei'e  everything  was  prepared ;  the  poor  women  round  the 
table,  about  sixty  of  them,  many  of  our  Ladies  Committee 
and  some  others  ;  also  numbers  of  gentlemen  following  the 
King,  Sheriffs,  &c.  I  felt  deeply,  but  quiet  in  spnit — ^fear 
of  man  much  removed.  After  we  were  seated,  the  King  on 
my  right  hand,  the  Lady  Mayoress  on  the  left,  I  expressed 
my  desire  that  the  attention  of  none,  particularly  the  poor 
prisoners,  might  be  diverted  from  atteudinc;  to  our  reading 
by  the  company  there,  however  interesting,  but  that  we 
should  remember  that  the  King  ol  Kings  and  Lord  of  Lords 


S40 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


w&s  present,  in  whose  fear  we  should  abide  and  seek  to  profit 
by  what  we  heard.  I  then  read  the  12th  chapter  of  Ro- 
mans. I  dwelt  on  the  mercies  of  God  being  the  strong  in- 
ducement to  serve  Him,  and  no  longer  to  be  conformed  to 
this  world.  Then  I  finished  the  chapter,  afterwards  im- 
pressing our  all  being  members  of  one  body,  poor  and  rich, 
high  and  low,  all  one  in  Christ,  and  members  one  of  an- 
other. I  then  related  the  case  of  a  poor  prisoner  who  ap- 
peared truly  converter],  aud  who  became  such  a  holy  exam- 
ple ;  then  I  enlarged  on  love  and  forgiving  one  another, 
showing  how  Christians  must  love  their  enemies,  &c.,  &c. 
After  a  solemn  pause,  to  my  deep  humiliation,  and  in  the 
cross,  I  believed  it  my  duty  to  kneel  down  before  this  most 
curious,  interesting  and  mixed  company,  for  I  felt  that  my 
God  must  be  served  the  same  everywhere,  and  among  all 
people,  whatever  reproach  it  brought  me  into.  I  fiist 
prayed  for  the  conversion  of  prisoners  and  sinners  gener- 
ally, that  a  blessing  might  rest  on  the  labors  of  those  in  au- 
thority, as  well  as  the  more  humble  laborers  for  their  con- 
version ;  next  I  prayed  for  the  King  of  Prussia,  his  Queen, 
his  kingdom,  that  it  might  be  more  and  more  as  a  city  set 
on  the  hill  that  could  not  be  hid;  that  true  religion  in  its 
purity,  simplicity  and  power  might  more  and  more  break 
forth,  and  that  every  cloud  that  obscured  it  might  be  re- 
moved ;  then  for  us  all  that  we  might  be  of  the  number  of 
the  redeemed,,  and  eventually  unite  with  them  in  heaven  in 
a  never-ending  song  of  praise.  I  only  mention  the  subject, 
but,  by  no  means  the  words.  The  King  then  gave  me  his 
arm  and  we  walked  down  together.  There  were  difficulties 
raised  about  his  going  to  Upton,  but  he  chose  to  persevere. 
I  went  with  the  Lady  Mayoress  aud  the  Sheriffs,  the  King 
with  his  own  people.  We  arrived  first :  I  had  to  hasten  to 
take  off  my  cloak  and  then  went  down  to  meet  him  at  his 
carriage  door,  with  my  husband  aud  seven  of  oui'  sons  and 
Bons-iu-law.  I  then  walked  with  him  into  the  drawing-room 
where  all  was  in  beautiful  order — neat  and  adorneii  witli 


THIBD,  FOURTH  A»D  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  341 

flowers.  I  presented  to  the  Xing  our  eight  daughters  and 
daughters-in-law,  (Kachel  only  away,)  our  seven  sons  and 
eldest  gTand-son,  my  brother  and  sister  Buxton,  Sir  Henry 
and  Lady  Pelly,  and  my  sister  Elizabeth  Fr}- — my  brother 
and  sister  Gurney  he  had  known  before — and  afterwards 
presented  twenty-five  of  our  grandchildren.  We  had  a  sol- 
emn silence  befoie  our  meal  which  was  handsome  and  fit  for 
a  King,  yet  not  extravagant — everything  most  complete  and 
nice.  I  sat  by  the  King  who  appeared  to  enjoy  his  dinner, 
perfectly  at  his  ease,  and  very  happy  with  us.  We  went 
into  the  drawing-room  after  another  solemn  silence  and  a 
few  words  which  I  uttered  in  prayer  for  the  King  and 
Queen.  We  found  a  deputation  of  Friends  with  an  addi-ess 
to  read  to  him!  This  was  done — the  King  apjDeared  to  feel 
it  much.  W^e  then  had  to  part.  The  King  expressed  his 
desire  that  blessings  might  continue  to  reot  on  our  home." 

"Fourth  Month,  llth. — This  week  we  have  a  very  larga 
sale  at  the  Mansion  House  for  the  British  Society.  Al- 
though on  the  whole  I  appi'ove  these  sales  there  are  many 
difficulties  attached  to  them.  I  earnestly  desu'e  and  pray 
that  through  the  tender  mercy  of  God  no  harm  may  come 
of  it ;  but  in  whatever  we  do  the  cause  of  truth  and  right- 
eousness may  be  exalted. 

« 2ith.—0n  Thud,  Fourth  and  Fifth-day  we  were  fully 
occupied  by  the  sale.  It  Avas  very  largely  attended  ;  quan- 
tities of  things  given  and  sent  to  us ;  extraordinary  kindness 
shown  to  us  by  numbers,  and  the  Lord  Mayor  and  Lady 
Mayoress  treating  us  with  almost  unbounded  hospitality 
and  kindness.  One  day  they  gave  dumer  and  lucheon  to 
three  bundled  persons,  and  I  should  think  nearly  as  many 
another  day  or  days.  We  sold  things  to  the  amount  of 
about  thirteen  hundred  pounds ;  still  many  things  were  left 
on  hand.  When  I  consider  the  great  trouble,  the  enormous 
expense,  the  time  taken  up,  the  obligation  we  put  ourselves 
under  to  so  many  persons,  and  the  fatigue  of  body,  I  think 


342 


ELIZABETH  FB7. 


I  can  never  patronise  another  sale.    However  in  merqr  I 

was  carried  through  -without  much  suffering. 

"  Ui^ton,  Fifth  Ilont/i,  S</t.— On  Third-clay  the  Lady 
Mayoress  and  I  paid  interesting  and  satis*acI:ory  visits  to 
the  Queen  Dowager,  the  Duchess  of  Kent  and  the  Duchess 
of  Gloucester.  I  went  with  my  heart  lifted  up  for  help 
and  strength  and  direction,  that  the  visits  might  prove  use- 
ful, that  I  might  drop  the  word  in  season,  and  that  I  might 
myself  be  kept  humble,  watchful  and  faithful  to  my  Lord. 
I  have  fears  for  myself  in  visiting  pa' aces  rather  than  pris- 
ons, and  going  after  the  rich  rather  than  the  poor;  lest  my 
eyes  should  become  blinded,  or  I  should  fall  away  in  any- 
thing from  the  simjjle  pure  standard  of  truth  and  righteous- 
ness. We  first  called  on  the  Duchess  of  Kent  aad  had 
interesting  conversation  about  our  dear  young  Qaeen, 
Prince  Albert,  and  their  little  ones.  AVe  spoke  of  my  for- 
eign journey — the  King  of  the  Belgians,  and  other  matters. 
I  desu'ed  whenever  I  could  to  throw  in  a  hint  of  a  spiritual 
kind,  and  was  enabled  to  do  it.  I  gave  the  Duchess  some 
papers  with  a  note  to  Prince  Albert,  requesting  him  to  lay 
the  suffering  state  of  the  Waldenses,  from  their  fresh  per- 
secutions, before  the  Queen.  We  next  visited  the  Qaesn 
Dowager  and  her  sister,  and  the  Duchess  of  Saxe  Weimar 
and  her  children.  We  had  a  very  satisfactory  time,  much 
lively  and  edifying  conversation  upon  the  state  of  religion 
in  Eui-ope  particularly  amongst  the  higher  classes,  and  th.3 
great  advancement,  of  late  years,  in  the  conduct  and  conver- 
sation of  the  great  of  this  world." 

Her  health  continuing  very  infirm,  Mrs.  Fry  spent  four 
months  near  the  sea  shore  at  Cromer,  in  the  company  of 
several  of  her  brothers  and  sisters,  commencing  in  July. 
Doubtless  her  improvement  was  facilitated  by  the  sphit 
shown  in  this  entry  of  her  Journal : 

"  Cromer,  Seventh  Month,  Qth. — Here  I  am,  in  wnat  was 


THIBD,  FOURTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  COXTIN'EUT.  343 

my  dearest  sister  Hoare's  little  room,  looldng  on  the  sea, 
but  poorly  after  my  journey ;  feeling  the  aii'  almost  too  cold 
for  me :  but  I  am  favored  to  be  quiet  and  restful  in  spirit, 
and  deske  to  leave  all  things  to  Him  who  only  knows  what 
is  best  for  me.  My  sister  Catherine  being  with  us,  and  my 
brother  Joseph  and  his  Eliza,  and  my  dear  Anna,  near  to 
us,  is  very  pleasant,  and  our  dear  brother  and  sister  Bux- 
ton and  Eicheuda  being  still  at  Northrepps." 

Every  week  was  marked  by  slow  but  sure  increase  of 
strength.  But  her  amendment  was  retarded  by  anxiety  on 
account  of  a  daughter,  then  very  ill  in  the  Isle  of  Wight. 
To  this  daughter  who  was  under  much  trial  she  wrote : — 

"  I  am  not  very  well  to-day,  but  have  not,  by  any  means 
lost  the  ground  I  had  gained,  though  your  trials  appear  to 
have  brought  me  some  steps  back.  If,  in  the  ordering  of 
Providence  things  shall  be  brighter,  I  think  I  shall  rally 
again ;  but  I  desiie  to  have  my  will  given  up  to  the  will  of 
Him  who  knows  best  what  is  best  for  us  all,  and  earnestly 
desire  to  be  very  thankful  that  our  trials  are  not  of  a  deeper 
dye ;  and  being  as  far  as  I  know,  brought  on  us  by  Infinite 
Wisdom,  I  do  not  feel  them  like  those  produced  by  the  ex- 
quisite suffering  of  sin. 

I  am  thy  loving,  sympathizing  and  yet  hopeful  mother, 

E.  F." 

Seventh  3Ionth,  lith,  (First-day.) — I  have  deeply  and 
BOrrowfully  felt  our  grandson  Frank's  going  into  the  army. 
I  truly  have  tried  to  preveutit  but  must  now  leave  it  all  to 
my  Lord,  who  can,  if  He  sees  meet,  bring  ^ood  out  of  that 
which  I  feel  to  be  evil.* 

'■^Eighth  Month,  lith. — I  have  felt  the  weight  of  under- 
taking  to  establish  a  library  and  room  for  the  fishermen, 


*  This  yoang  man,  being  of  o  cerioua  mind,  soon  retired  from  the 
arujy. 


844 


ELIZABEXa  FB7. 


and  sometliing  of  a  friendly  society,  as  in  my  tender  state 
the  grassliopper  becomes  a  burden.  I  was  encouraged, 
however,  in  the  night  by  these  words,  '  Steadfast,  immova- 
ble, always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord.'  In  weak- 
ness and  in  strength  we  must,  as  ability  is  granted,  always 
abound  in  the  work  of  the  Lord.  May  our  labor  not  be  in 
vain  in  Him !  I  have  had  very  comforting  accounts  from 
Denmark — our  representations  attended  to  respecting  the 
prisons,  and  likely  to  have  much  good  done  in  them :  also 
from  Prussia.  Surely  our  Lord  has  greatly  blessed  some 
of  our  poor  efforts  for  the  good  of  our  fellow-mortals. 

"  Upton  Lane,  First  Month,  \st,  1843. — Another  year  ia 
closed  and  passed  never  to  return.  It  appears  to  me  that 
mine  is  rather  a  rapid  descent  into  the  valley  of  old  age. 

"  Second  Month,  6th. — I  am  just  now  much  devoted  to 
my  children  and  all  my  family,  and  attend  very  little  to 
public  service  of  any  kind.  May  my  God  grant  that  I  may 
not  hide  my  talents  in  a  napkin ;  and  on  the  other  hand  that 
I  may  not  step  into  services  uncalled  for  at  my  hands.  May 
my  feeble  labors  at  home  be  blessed.  Gracious  Lord,  heal, 
help,  and  strengthen  Thy  poor  servant  for  Thine  own  ser- 
vice, public  or  private. 

"  Third  Month,  19^/i. — Met  Lord  Ashley  at  dinner  at 
Manor  House  (my  dear  son  William's)  to  consider  the  sub- 
ject of  China  and  the  Opium  Trade.  Lord  Ashley  is  a  very 
interesting  man,  devoted  to  promoting  the  good  of  mankind 
and  suppressing  evil — quite  a  Wilberforce  I  think. 

"  Fourth  Month,  2nd. — I  entered  the  last  week  very  low 
in  my  condition,  bodily  and  mentally,  so  much  so  that  some 
of  my  family  could  hardly  be  reconciled  to  my  attending 
the  Quarterly  Meeting.  In  the  Select  Meeting  of  Ministers 
and  Elders  the  subject  of  Unity  was  much  brought  for- 
ward; several  spoke  to  it,  and  I  had  to  express,  rather 
strongly,  my  belief  that  there  is  a  great  work  going  forward 
in  the  earth,  and  Satan  desires  to  mar  it  by  separating  the 
Lord's  servants.    I  warned  Friends  upon  this  point ;  be- 


THIRD,  FOURTH  AKD  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  345 

cause  there  are  diversities  of  gifts,  difference  of  operation 
and  administration,  they  should  not  sit  in  judgment  one 
on  another,  or  condemn  one  another,  or  suppose  they  are 
not  of  the  same  spirit,  and  one  in  the  same  lord,  and  the 
€ame  God." 

How  the  ripening  tint  of  that  wisdom  which  is  from  above 
shines  in  these  utterances,  reaching  far  beyond  the  narrow 
bounds  of  sect,  toward  the  day  of  the  Lord's  coming. 

The  fifth  and  last  visit  of  Elizabeth  Fry  to  the  Continent 
was  made  in  the  spring  of  1843,  commencing  the  latter  part 
of  April  and  ending  about  the  last  of  May.  She  felt  that 
there  was  still  important  work  for  her  to  do  in  Paiis  in  con- 
firming what  had  been  begun,  and  strengthening  the  hands 
to  which  it  must  soon  be  left.  She  was  accompanied  by 
Joseph  John  Gurney,  who  with  his  new  American  wife,  also 
a  minister,  contemplated  a  more  extended  journey ;  and  by 
their  faithful  friend  and  co-laborer  Josiah  Forster.  Her 
eldest  daughter  Katherine  also  attended  as  her  mother's 
especial  companion  and  care-taker.  The  latter  oflSce  had 
now  become  quite  essential,  as  the  veteran  apostle  and  re- 
former, though  but  sixty-three  years  old,  had  so  nearly 
spent  her  allotted  measure  of  strength  that  it  was  doubted 
after  the  voyage  to  Bologne,  whether  she  would  be  able  to 
proceed  on  the  journey.  However  by  using  the  best  medi- 
cine, prudence,  patience  and  faith,  she  revived  and  slowly 
advanced  by  way  of  Amiens,  where  they  held  a  Meeting  for 
worship  in  a  room  used  by  the  few  Protestants  as  their 
chapel.    Their  pastor  was  eighty  years  of  age. 

"At  Clemont-en-Oise  tlio  ladies  were  permitted  to  inspect 
the  Great  Central  Prison  ior  women,  calculated  to  contaia 


346 


ELIZABETH  FKY. 


twelve  hundred,  although  nine  hundred  only  were  in  con- 
finement when  they  were  there.  It  was  under  the  charge  of 
a  Superieuie  and  twenty-two  nuns,  no  men  being  allowed 
to  enter. 

"  On  first  arriving  IVIrs.  Fry  had  expressed  a  great  wish  to 
see'all  the  nuns,  but  the  Superieure  considered  it  impossi- 
ble, as  they  never  leave  the  women ;  however  just  before 
quitting  the  prison,  she  was  conducted  into  an  apartment 
around  which  sat,  some  on  chaii'S,  some  on  extremely  low 
seats,  some  apparently  on  the  floor,  the  twenty-two  nuns  in 
their  grey  dresses,  and  the  lay  ^''isters  in  black ;  placed  in 
the  middle  were  IVIrs.  Fry  and  hev  sister  IMrs.  Joseph  John 
Guiuey,  the  Superieure  between  them,  holding  Mrs.  Fry  by 
the  hand,  whose  daughter  was  r:viuesfced  by  the  Superieui'e 
to  interpret  for  them.  It  was  no  light  or  easy  task  to  con- 
vey exactly  her  mother's  address  on  the  deep  importance  of 
not  only  maintaining  good  discipline  amongst  the  prisoners, 
but  endeavoring  to  lead  thcra  in  living  faith  to  Christ  as 
the  only  Mediator  between  God  and  man,  through  whom 
alone  they  could  be  cleansed  from  the  guilt  and  power 
of  sin.  At  His  name  every  head  bowed.  She  then  wen  ^ 
on  to  tell  them  of  Newgate,  and  the  effects  of  the  Gospel 
there.  Many  tears  were  shed  at  this  recital.  She  con- 
cluded by  a  lively  exhortation  to  these  devoted  nuns  whom 
she  could  '  salute  as  sisters  in  Christ,'  to  go  forward  in  their 
work,  but  in  no  way  to  rest  upon  it  as  in  itself  mex'itoi'ious. 
Here  the  Superieure  interposed  '  Oh  non  mais  il  y  a  un  peu 
de  merite,  I'homme  a  quelque  meiite  pour  ce  qu  'il  fait: '  an 
old  nun  who  understood  English  rejoined,  '  Ma  mere,  Ma- 
dame thinks  that  if  the  love  of  God  does  not  sufficiently  ani- 
mate the  heart  to  do  it  without  feeling  it  a  merit,  or  desir- 
ing reward,  it  falls  short.'  'Ah  c'est  b^en!  comme  elle  est 
bonne  ! '  replied  the  Superieure.  Mrs.  Fry  concluded  by  a 
short  blessing  and  prayer  in  French.  It  was  a  striking 
Bcene  and  a  solemn  feeling  pervaded  the  whole."* 


*  Memoir — Vol.  2,  page  47L 


THIBD,  FOURTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  347 

Arriving  in  Paris  Elizabeth  Fry  felt  much  depressed  by 
her  weakness,  but  was  met  with  warm  welcome  and  encour- 
agement from  her  friends,  especially  the  Countess  Pelet 
who  assured  her  that  her  visit  was  most  timely.  They  at- 
tended the  little  Friends'  Meeting  in  the  Faubourg  du 
Koule,  made  some  social  visits,  and  called  on  the  Duchess 
of  Orleans  and  her  pious  stepmother  the  Grand  Dachess 
of  Meckleuburgh.  The  second  Sabbath  they  held  a  large 
public  meeting  in  the  Methodist  chapel,  and  on  Monday 
evening  met  a  party  of  "  about  thirty  persons  of  color, 
chiefly  from  Hayti,  the  Island  of  France,  and  Guadaloupe, 
principally  students  of  law  or  medicine  ;  one  a  painter  wha 
had  some  good  pictures  in  the  exhibition.  .  .  Wednes- 
day was  a  dinner  at  Count  Pelet  de  la  Lozere's ;  Thursday 
at  M.  Guizot's.  Seated  by  their  celebrated  host,  the  dinner 
was  felt  by  Mrs.  Fry  to  be  an  occasion  of  great  responsi* 
bihty.  She  was  encouraged  by  his  courteous  attention  un« 
reservedly  to  speak  to  him  on  the  subjects  which  had  so 
long  been  near  to  her  heart.  It  was  no  common  ordeal  for 
woman  weak  even  in  her  strength  to  encounter  reasoning 
powers  and  capabilities  such  as  his:  theu*  motives  of  action 
arising  probably  from  far  different  sources,  but  curiously 
meeting  at  the  same  point;  hers  from  deep-rooted  beuevo* 
lence  directed  by  piety  in  its  most  spiritual  form ;  his  from 
reflection,  observation,  and  statesman-like  policy  guided  by 
philanthropy,  based  on  philosophy  and  established  convic- 
tion— yet  in  the  aggregate  the  results  the  same ;  an  intense 
desire  to  beneiit  and  exalt  human  nature,  and  arrest  tho 
progress  of  moral  and  social  evil,  and  an  equal  interest  in 
ascertaining  the  most  likely  methods  of  effecting  the  de' 


:848 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


sired  end.  They  spoke  of  crime  in  its  origin,  its  conse- 
quences, and  the  measures  to  be  adopted  for  its  preven- 
tion ;  of  the  treatment  of  criminals ;  of  education,  and  of 
Scriptural  instruction.  Here  Mrs.  Fry  unhesitatingly 
urged  the  diffusion  of  Scriptural  truth,  and  the  universal 
^uculation  of  the  Sci'iptures,  as  the  one  means  alone  capa- 
ble of  controlling  the  power  of  sin,  and  shedding  light  upon 
the  darkness  of  superstition  and  infidelity. 

"The  following  morning  Mrs.  Fry  and  her  brother 
received  at  their  hotel  a  large  party  of  Greeks ;  amongst 
X)thers  their  Ambassador,  M.  Coletti.  The  Duke  de  Broglie 
was  kind  enough  to  interpret  for  Mrs.  Fry.  Before  the 
party  separated  Mr.  Gurney  read  an  account  of  St.  Paul's 
visit  to  Athens :  his  comments  on  this  portion  of  Holy  Writ 
•were  luminous,  powerful,  and  appropriate. 

"When  in  Paris  in  1839,  Mrs.  Fry  had  become  interested 
in  a  large  party  of  Greeks  who  met  her  at  her  hotel  one 
evening.  On  the  present  occasion  that  interest  was  con- 
firmed. The  want  of  books  in  Greece,  even  those  of  ele- 
mentary instruction,  was  fully  discussed,  and  it  was  decided 
to  form  some  regular  plan  to  supply  this  want.  That  this 
might  be  done  effectually  a  second  evening  was  appointed 
for  the  purpose.  There  were  assembled  on  this  occasion 
several  very  superior  men,  among  others  M.  de  Commene, 
who,  though  not  '  born  in  the  purple,'  was  one  of  a  family 
(recognized  as  hneally  descended  from  the  Emperors  of 
-Constantinople.  A  committee  of  Greeks,  French  and  Eng- 
.lish  was  formed  to  draw  up  rules  and  endeavor  to  raise 
subscriptions,  though  not  tUl  after  much  animated  discus- 
sion,— the  young  Greek  students  in  Paris  undertaking  to 


THISD,  rOUBTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  349^ 


translate  some  works  of  elementary  instruction.  A  spelling 
book  with  pictures  was  to  be  the  first  work  attempted — 
something  not  existing  in  that  country.  There  was  reason 
to  expect  that  through  influence  with  the  Government  at 
Athens  these  books  would  be  dispersed  into  every  Commune 
for  the  use  of  the  schools  and  poor.  Mrs.  Fry  had  before 
been  interested  on  the  subject  of  female  education  in  Greece^ 
and  in  this  important  movement  for  supplying  that  country 
with  elemental  literature,  she  believed  that  the  women  also 
would  eventually  partake  of  the  benefit. 

"It  being  the  period  of  the  annual  religious  Meetings 
many  pasteurs  were  assembled  in  Paris :  about  thirty  of 
them  were  invited  by  Mr.  Gixiney  to  breakfast  at  the  Hotel 
Meurice."  (Memoir.) 

"Faris,  Fifth  Month,  lith. — On  Second-day  about 
thirty  pasteurs  came  to  breakfast :  they  are  from  different 
parts  of  France;  a  very  interesting  set  of  men.  First  we- 
had  a  Scripture  reading ;  Joseph  and  myself  had  much  to 
express  to  them  at  the  time;  a  most  weighty  concern  it  was. 
My  brother  prayed  and  one  of  the  pasteurs  spoke.  "We 
then  breakfasted,  and  had  really  a  delightful  meal.  I 
remember  that  our  Lord  condescended  to  attend  feasts,  and 
this  was  a  feast  offered  to  His  servants,  of  which  we  par- 
took in  love  and  peace.  The  pasteurs  afterwards  gave  us  an 
account  of  the  religious  state  of  the  people  around  them  j- 
a  good  work  certainly  appears  goii;g  on,  amidst  many  ob- 
Btructions.  We  then  spoke  to  them.  I  particularly  recom- 
mended religious  unity  xoith  all  who  love  the  Lord,  as  a 
valuable  body  of  Christians." 

Observe  how  "  Unity  with  all  who  lcve  the  Lord,"  13 
becoming  the  key-note  of  her  exhortations. 

"Faris,  Fifth  Month,  list,  { First-da  >/.  J— 'My  birth-day— 


S50 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


sixty-three !    My  God  hath  not  forgotten  to  be  gracious, 

nor  hath  He  shut  up  His  tender  mercies  fi'om  me. 

"The  last  Aveek  has  been  an  interesting  one.  We  were 
sent  for  by  the  King.  My  brother,  sister  and  I  paid  rather 
a  remarkable  visit  to  him,  the  Queen,  and  Princess  Adelaide. 
To  my  surprise  and  pleasui'e  yesterday  there  arrived  fi'om 
the  Queen  a  most  beautiful  Bible  with  fine  engravings, 
without  note  or  comment ;  given  me  as  a  mark  of  her  satis- 
faction in  our  visit." 

"  Onfe  evening  the  Piime  Minister,  M.  Guizot,  dined  with 
]Mi-s.  Fry's  party.  The  topics  before  discussed  were  then 
resumed: — the  state  of  Protestants  in  France,  La  liberie  de 
culte,  and  Negro  Slaveiy.  Elizabeth  Fry  entreated  M. 
Guizot's  attention  to  the  state  of  the  Sandwich  Islands. 
She  had  a  few  months  before  received  from  Kamehameha 
HI.,  the  King  of  those  islands,  a  letter  entreating  her  good 
offices  to  second  his  endeavors  to  prohibit  the  importation 
and  use  of  spirituous  liquors  in  his  kingdom,  the  baneful 
and  demoralizing  effects  of  which  he  stated  to  be  lament- 
able. 

"Much  had  been  done  for  the  improvement  of  prisons 
since  Mi's.  Fry  was  last  at  Paris.  The  importance  of  the 
subject  had  been  fully  recognized,  and  a  bill  brought  before 
the  chamber  of  Deputies." 

The  concluding  memoranda  of  the  farewell  visit  will  en- 
able us  to  see  her  very  pleasantly  in  her  favorite  occupations. 
.Neai'ly  all  of  her  own  minutes  in  this  connection  have  been 
given. 

"  Boulogne,  2Si/t  — Through  the  condescending  mercy  ol 
of  our  Heavenly  Father  we  are  safely  and  peacefully  arrived 
here,  after  a  quiet  journey  with  my  dearest  Katherine.  We 
were  near  meeting  with  a  serious  accident,  but  through 
mercy  vve  escaped  without  injury.  Oar  leaving  Paiis  was 
no  common  occasion.    The  morning  before,  seveiai  of  our 


THIRD,  FODETH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THE  CONTINENT.  351 

balove J  friends  were  -with  us ;  they  literally  loaded  us  with 
presents ;  indeed  it  appeared  as  if  they  did  not  know  how 
to  show  then-  love  to  us  enough.  Before  we  parted  from 
each  other  we  had  a  most  solemn  time  in  prayer,  little 
knowing-  whether  we  should  see  each  others  faces  more.  I 
hardly  knew  how  to  accept  all  then-  generous  kindness. 
"What  can  we  say  but  that  their  hearts  being  thus  turned  to 
us  must  be  '  the  Lord's  doing  and  is  marvelous  in  o  ur  eyes.' 

"  The  previous  evening  many  of  our  dear  friends,  English 
and  French,  came  to  take  leave  of  us ;  we  read  together 
the  121st  Psalm.  In  the  morning  I  visited  a  Roman  Cath- 
olic Refuge,  and  finished  well  with  the  Greeks  in  the  after- 
noon. 

"On  Thhd-day  we  visited  the  great  military  prison  at  St. 
Germain,  accompanied  by  a  French  general,  an  Engiish 
colonel,  our  excellent  friend  Count  Pelet,  and  Moreau 
Chi'istophe.  We  were  received  very  kindly  by  the  Colonel, 
Governor  of  the  Prison,  and  his  wife,  and  took  our  de^eone 
with  them. 

"In  the  evening  we  went  to  a  large  Meeting  in  one  of  the 
Faubourgs  with  the  French  Methodists  in  humble  life. 
How  curious  the  changes  of  my  daily  life: — what  a  picture 
they  would  make ! — in  the  morning  suirounded  by  the  high 
miiitai-y,  and  the  soldier  prisoners — in  the  evening  in  a 
Methodist  Meeting-house,  with  the  people  and  then-  pas- 
teurs,  and  afterwards  by  poor  little  French  children  heai'ing 
them  read. 

"Another  day  I  was  at  a  large  Prison  Committee  of 
Protestant  ladies.  I  think  they  have  been  greatly  prospered 
in  theu'  work  of  Christian  love,  iu  which  they  have  perocveiej 
ever  since  my  first  visit  to  Paris ;  there  have  been  many  in- 
Btauces  of  great  improvement  iu  the  prisoners  under  their 
care.    After  prayer  for  them  I  left  them. 

"The  afternoon  of  the  Sabbath  I  paid  a  distressing  visit 
to  the  St.  Lazarre  Prison ;  sach  a  scene  of  disorder,  and 
deep  evil  I  have  seldom  witnessed — i; ambling,  romp.c^, 


352 


ELIZABETH  FEY. 


screaming.  With  much  difficulty  we  collected  four  protes- 
tant  prisoners  and  read  with  them.  I  spoke  to  those  poor 
disorderly  women,  who  appeared  attentive  and  showed  some 
feeling.  I  have  i-epresented  to  many  in  authority  the  sad 
evils  of  this  prison,  and  have  pleaded  with  them  for  reform, 
for  religious  care,  and  for  Scriptural  instruction. 

"In  the  evening  the  dear  Countess  Pe'et  was  with  us  and 
we  had  a  large  assembly,  mostly  of  English ;  it  was  thought 
ninety,  or  a  hundred.  I  was  tu'ed  and  poorly,  my  flesh  and 
my  heart  ready  to  fail ;  but  the  Lord  strengthened  me,  and 
I  felt  really  helped  by  a  power  quite  above  myself.  With 
this  company  I  had  a  most  satisfactory  parting  time,  and  a 
sweet  feelirg  of  love  and  unity  with  these  servants  of  tha 
Lord." 

Thus  ended  the  missionary  labors,  abroad,  of  this  de- 
voted minister  of  Mercy,  the  fruit  of  whose  sowing  has  con- 
tinued to  yield  its  increase  all  over  Europe.  The  party  re- 
turned home  in  season  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meeting  of 
Friends  in  London  and  for  a  short  time  Mrs.  Fry  was  able 
"to  encounter  the  current  of  life  better  than  she  had  done- 
before  her  journey." 

During  these  five  visits  to  the  Continent  what  an  expen- 
diture of  the  highest  moral  force  had  Elizabeth  Fry  made : 
and  it  is  easy  to  believe  that  little  or  none  of  the  good  seei 
sown,  even  when  the  ground  seemed  least  propitious,  failed 
to  bring  forth  fruit ;  while  in  many  instances  it  not  only 
sprang  up  quickly,  but  yielded  its  thirty,  sixty,  or  hundred 
fold  in  time  for  the  sower  and  reaper  to  rejoice  together, 
and  praise  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  who  alone  "giveth  the 
increase."  And  beyond  the  more  immediate  effects  who 
can  compute  the  compound  results,  as  each  generation  has 
takeu  up  and  added  to  the  work,  and  to  the  area  where. 


TEIBD,  FOUBTH  AND  FIFTH  VISITS  TO  THB  OONTlMmTO.  868 

these  influences  have  operated  to  redeem  the  fallen,  to 
ameliorate  the  consequences  of  evU,  and  to  add  courage  and 
strength  to  human  efforts  for  the  elevation  of  the  racet 


CHAPTER  ELEVENTH. 


THE  FEABL  GATE. 

We  can  see  the  ripening  toward  Heaven  in  many  of  the 
later  entries  of  Elizabeth  Fry's  journal. 

"/Sixth  Monthy  25th. — A  week  of  considerable  occupa- 
tion :  Second-day  the  British  Society  Committee  ;  an  inter- 
esting meeting  with  those  beloved  ladies ;  so  much  oneness 
of  heart  and  pui'pose,  a  delightful  evidence  of  the  sweet- 
ness of  Christian  unity,  and  how  those  who  differ  in  sec- 
ondary points  may  agree  in  the  essential  one,  and  be  one 
in  Christ.  We  have  cause  for  thankfulness  in  the  excellent 
arrangements  made  by  Lord  Stanley  for  our  poor  prisoners 
in  Van  Diemen's  Land ;  he  appears  so  carefully  to  have  at- 
tended to  the  representations  we  made  respecting  the  evils 
existing  there  and  to  have  proposed  gqod  measui-es  to  rem- 
edy them." 

Dui'ing  this  week  she  attended  the  Quarterly  Meeting  ol 
Friends  at  Hertford.  This  was  the  last  time  that  she  left 
home  expressly  on  religious  service.  But  wherever  she 
went,  she  was  the  same  wise  counselor  and  loving  com- 
forter.   In  July  she  wrote : — 

"Last  First-day  was  one  not  to  be  forgotten;  much  of 
the  morning  without  clouds.  My  dear  brother  and  sister 
Buxton  were  at  meeting.  I  felt  it  my  duty  to  encourage 
the  weary,  and  enlarged  upon  our  foolishness,  yet  now  the 


THE  PEAEli  GATE 


355 


Lora  is  made  unto  His  people  wisdom,  righteousness, 

sanctification  and  redemption.  There  were  some  who  ap- 
peared much  impressed.  Through  the  whole  of  that  day, 
and  into  the  next  renewed  peace  rested  upon  my  spirit. 

"As  the  month  passed  on,"  says  her  biographer,  "Eliza- 
beth Fry  showed  increasing  symptoms  of  illness,  the  con- 
sequence, doubtless,  of  bodily  fatigue  and  mental  exertion, 
the  ejfects  of  which  were  severely  aggravated  by  a  chill 
from  fitting  one  evening  in  the  garden  at  Upton  Lane." 

This  induced  her  to  visit  Sandgate,  in  company  with  her 
sister-in-law,  of  the  same  name,  also  in  declining  health,  to 
obtain  the  benefit  of  sea  air.    While  here  she  wrote: 

"I  have  at  times  passed  through  a  good  deal  of  conflict 
and  humiliation  in  this  indisposition,  and  it  is  a  real  exer- 
cise of  faith  to  me — the  way  in  which  I  am  tried  by  my  ill- 
ness. I  suppose  it  arises  from  my  extremely  susceptible 
nerves  that  are  so  affected  when  the  body  is  out  of  order 
as  to  cast  quite  a  veil  over  the  mind.  I  am  apt  to  query 
whether  I  am  not  deceiving  myself  in  supposing  I  am  a 
servant  of  the  Lord,  so  ill  to  endure  suffering,  and  to  be 
so  anxious  to  get  rid  of  it ;  but  it  lias  been  my  earnest 
prayer  that  I  might  truly  say,  '  Not  as  I  will,  but  as  Thou 
wilt.'  Lord,  help  me !  I  pray  that  I  may  be  enabled  to 
cast  all  my  burthen  and  all  my  care  upon  Thee,  that  I  may 
rest  in  the  full  assurance  of  faith  in  Thy  love,  pity,  mercy 
and  grace." 

"After  several  distressing  weeks  she  was  moved  to  Ton- 
bridge  Wells,  closely  and  faithfully  nursed  by  her  two 
youngest  daughters."  But  the  change  was  unavailing,  and 
she  returned  to  Upton  near  the  end  of  September,  and  re- 
mained confined  to  her  sick  chamber  during  the  winter  of 
1842  and  '43.  Her  bodily  sufferings  were  very  great,  but 
her  soul  liad  its  hiding-place. 


356 


ELIZABETH  FRT. 


"  Upton,  Tenth  Month,  \Qth. — My  God  hath  not  forgot- 
ten to  be  gracious,  or  shut  up  His  tender  mercies  from  me. 
It  appears  to  me  that  all  of  nature  is  to  be  brought  low, 
for  what  is  of  the  Lord  only  can  stand  the  day  of  humilia- 
tion. I  may  thankfully  say,  I  am  quiet  and  sustained  in 
spirit,  but  do  not  often  know  peace  to  flow  as  a  river,  as  at 
some  former  times.  Still  help  is  constantly  near  from  the 
sanctuary,  though  I  abide  under  a  sense  of  deep  unworthi- 
ness  before  the  Lord ;  but  what  can  I  do  but  wait  in  faith 
until  He  be  pleased  fully  to  clothe  me  with  the  garments 
of  His  righteousness  and  His  salvation?  I  feel  I  can  do 
nothing  for  myself." 

"  One  afternoon  when  some  members  of  her  family  were 
reading  with  her,  she  was  unable  to  atteud  to  a  very  inter- 
esting religious  biography,  saying  'it  is  too  touching  to 
me, — too  affecting.'  She  added,  after  a  pause,  'How  I  feel 
for  the  poor  when  veiy  iU ;  in  a  state  like  my  own,  for  in- 
stance, when  'good'  ladies  go  to  see  them. — Religious 
truths  so  strongly  brought  forwa'-d,  often  injudiciously.' 
She  went  on  speaking  on  this  subject  and  then  dwelt  on 
'the  exquisite  tenderness  of  the  Saviour's  ministrations;/ 
'His  tone  and  manner  to  sinners.' 

"Soon  afterwards  she  resumed,  in  the  most  impressive 
manner,  saying  that  '  religicu:  truth '  was  opened  to  her 
and  supplied  to  her,  'inwardly,  not  by  man's  ministration 
but  according  to  her  need,'  adding,  'if  I  may  so  say,  it  ia 
my  life.' 

"She  frequently  spoke  of  not  being  called  to  active  ser- 
vice now,  and  that  she  had  no  desiie  as  to  recovery ;  on 
the  contrary  she  was  '  able  quite  to  leave  it.'  Frequently 
she  repeated  to  those  about  her,  'Z  feel  the  foundation 
underneath  me  sure.'' 

"One  evening  she  opened  her  heart  on  her  deep  and 
earnest  desires  for  the  good  of  her  childi-en:  of  her  'great 
Bufferings  ' — '  greater  than  any  one  knows  ' — that  if  they 
were  to  last  no  one  could  wish  for  her  life ;  but  soon  added 


THB  PEABL  GATB. 


357 


*  there  is  one  thing  I  would  willingly  live  for — the  good  of 
my  husband  and  children  and  my  fellow-creatures.' 

"On  the  night  of  October  the  25th,  her  spirit  was 
remariabTy  strengthened  to  declare  her  faith  and  hope  in 
God.  She  caaoted  many  passages  of  Scripture  to  prove 
that  faith'  aiu St  work  by  love,  and  that  faith,  if  true,  must 
produce  worlrs.  She  said,  with  the  text,  '  He  that  keepeth 
my  saying  shall  never  see  death,'  take  this  one  also  'He 
that  believeth  on  me  shall  never  die.'  She  afterwards  ex- 
pressed, in  a  tone  of  deepest  feeling,  her  'perfect  confi- 
dence,' her  'full  assui'ance  that  neither  life  nor  death,  nor 
angels,  nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor  things  present,  nor 
things  to  come,  nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  crea- 
ture, should  be  able  to  separate  her  from  the  love  of  God 
which  is  ta  Jesns  Christ,  our  Lord,'  adding,  'my  whole  trust 
is  in  Sim,  my  entire  confidence.' — '  I  know  in  whom  I  have 
believed,  and  can  commit  all  to  Him  who  has  loved  me  and 
given  Himself  for  me ;  whether  for  life  or  death,  sickness 
or  health,  time  or  eternity.' 

"In  the  course  of  the  same  day  she  said  very  emphati- 
cally to  one  of  her  daughters,  '  I  can  say  one  thing — since 
my  heart  was  touched  at  seventeen  years  old  I  believe  I 
never  have  awakened  from  sleep,  in  sickness  or  in  health, 
by  day,  or  by  night,  without  my  first  waking  thought  being 
how  best  I  might  serve  my  Lord.' " 

This  prayer  is  among  the  few  remaining  entries  in  her 
Journal : 

"Lord!  undertake  Thyself  for  me;  Thy  arm  of  power 
can  alone  heal,  help,  and  deliver ;  and  in  Thee  do  I  trust 
and  hope,  though  at  times  deeply  tried  and  cast  down  before 
Thee ;  yet,  O  Lord '  Thou  art  my  hope,  and  be  therefore 
entreated  of  Thy  poor,  sorrowful,  and  often  afflicted  ser* 
vant,  and  arise  for  my  help.  Leave  not  my  poor  soul  des- 
titute, but  through  the  fulness  of  Thine  own  pswer,  mercy 


358 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


and  love  keep  me  alive  unto  Thyself  unto  the  end !  that- 
nothing  may  separate  me  from  Thy  love,  that  I  may  endure 
unto  the  end ;  and  when  the  end  comes  that  I  may  be  alto- 
gether Thine,  and  dwell  with  Thee,  if  it  be  but  the  lowest 
place  within  the  gate,  where  I  may  behold  Thy  glory  and 
Thy  holiness,  and  forever  rest  in  Thee.  I  do  earnestly  en- 
treat Thee  that  to  the  very  last  I  may  never  deny  Thee,  or 
in  any  way  have  my  life  or  conversation  inconsistent  with 
my  love  to  Thee,  and  most  earnest  desire  to  live  for  Thy 
glory ;  for  I  have  loved  Thee,  O  Lord,  and  desire  to  serve 
Thee  without  reserve.  Be  entreated  that  through  Thy 
faithfulness  and  the  power  of  Thy  own  Spirit  I  may  servo 
Thee  unto  the  end.  Amen." 

The  following  notes  are  from  the  Journal  of  her  son  Wil- 
liam who,  notwithstanding  he  was  now  anxiously  caring  for 
his  mother,  and  watching  for  the  "  veiled  ferryman,"  pre- 
ceded her,  by  more  than  a  year,  in  the  final  crossing. 

"  The  evening  of  the  29th  was  one  of  the  greatest  suffer- 
ing and  distress;  such  as  I  never  remember  to  have  wit- 
nessed. But  through  all  her  faith  was  triumphant  and  her 
confidence  unshaken.  I  endeavored  to  remember  a  few  of 
her  expressions  and  have  succeeded  in  calling  to  mind  the 
following : — 

" '  I  believe  this  is  not  death,  but  it  is  as  passing  through 
the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  and  perhaps  with  more 
suffering,  from  more  sensitiveness ;  but  the  Rock  is  here  i. 
the  distress  is  awful,  but  He  has  been  with  me.' 

"  'I  feel  that  He  is  with  me,  and  will  be  with  me,  even  to 
the  end.  David  says  'why  hast  Thou  forsaken  me? '  I  do 
not  feel  that  I  am  forsaken.  In  my  judgment  I  believe  this 
is  not  death,  but  it  is  as  death :  it  is  nigh  unto  death.* 
She  frequently  expressed  fears  of  being  impatient.  '  May 
none  of  you  be  called  to  pass  through  suoh  a  furnace ;  but 


THE  PEARL  OATE. 


359 


still  my  sufferings  have  been  mitigated  through  mercy  and 
gi-ace — fulness  of  grace !  Now  my  dear  William  be  stead- 
fast, immovable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord, 
and  then  Thy  labor  shall  not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  Oh 
the  blessedness  of  having  desired  to  be  on  the  Lord's  side ! 
(not  that  I  have  any  merit  of  my  own.)  I  cannot  express 
even  in  my  greatest  trials  and  tribulations  the  blessedness 
of  His  service !  My  Ufe  has  been  a  remarkable  one ;  much 
have  I  had  to  go  through — more  than  mortal  knows,  or 
even  can  know ;  my  sorrows  at  times  have  been  bitter,  but 
my  consolations  sweet!  In  my  lowest  estates,  through 
grace  my  love  to  my  Master  has  never  failed,  nor  to  my 
family,  nor  to  my  fellow-mortals.  This  illness  may  be  for 
death,  or  it  may  not,  according  to  His  will ;  but  He  will 
never  forsake  me  even  should  He  be  pleased  to  take  me  this 
night.' " 

To  one  of  the  "  nursing  sisters  "  who  was  attending  hei 
at  one  time  she  said,  "  I  am  of  the  same  mind  as  Paul,  '  foi 
me  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to  die  is  gain.'  What  a  grand 
thought  it  is!  everlastmg  to  everlasting,  without  trouble 
and  without  pain ;  to  meet  there  and  together  be  forever 
with  Christ.' " 

Reviewing  her  history  she  said  to  an  intimate  friend; 
"  My  life  has  been  one  of  great  vicissitudes ;  mine  has 
been  a  hidden  path,  hidden  from  every  human  eye.  I  have 
had  deep  humiliations  and  sorrows  to  pass  through.  I  can 
truly  say  I  have  "  wandered  in  the  wilderness  in  a  solitary 
way,  and  found  no  city  to  dwell  in ; '  and  yet  how  wonder- 
fully have  I  been  sustained.  I  have  passed  through  many 
and  great  dangers,  many  ways; — have  been  tried  with 
the  applause  of  the  world,  and  none  know  how  great  a  trial 
that  has  been,  and  the  deep  humiliations  of  it ;  and  yet  I 


360 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


folly  believe  that  it  is  not  nearly  so  dangerous  as  being 
made  much  of  in  rehgious  society.  There  is  a  snare  even 
in  religious  unity,  if  we  are  not  on  the  watch.  I  have  some- 
times felt  that  it  is  not  so  dangerous  to  be  made  much  of 
by  the  world,  as  by  those  whom  we  think  highly  of  in  our 
own  Society.  The  more  I  have  been  made  much  of  by  the 
world  the  more  I  have  been  inwardly  humbled.  I  could 
often  adopt  the  words  of  Sir  Francis  Bacon,  '  "When  I  have 
ascended  before  men,  I  have  descended  in  humiliation  before 
God.'" 

In  physical  suflfering  it  would  seem  that  little  could  be 
added  to  what  she  was  called  to  bear  duiing  this  terrible 
winter,  and  though  usually  clear,  the  inward  sky  was  occa- 
sionally darkened  that,  like  her  beloved  Master  she  might  be 
tried  in  all  things,  for  the  encomagement  of  those  who  seem 
to  themselves  forsaken.  The  friend  last  mentioned  visiting 
her  a  month  later  and  perceiving  that  she  was  much  de- 
pressed, remarked :  "  I  believe  there  is  an  open  door  set 
before  thee,  although  thou  mayst  not  always  be  able  to 
perceive  it  open."  "The  precious  invalid  wept  much,  and 
after  a  time  said, '  Oh  yes :  it  is  an  open  door.'  Presently 
she  continued,  '  The  Lord  is  gracious  and  full  of  compas- 
sion, I  believe  He  will  never  leave  me  nor  forsake  me ; '  and 
after  a  solemn  pause  she  added,  '  I  have  passed  through 
deep  baptisms  of  spirit  in  this  illness, — I  may  say,  unwor- 
thy as  I  am  to  say  it,  that  I  have  had  to  drink,  in  my  small 
measure,  of  the  Saviour's  cup  when  He  said,  '  My  God,  my 
God,  why  hast  Thou  forsaken  me  ? '  Some  of  my  friends 
have  thought  there  was  a  danger  of  my  being  exalted,  but 
I  believe  the  danger  has  been  on  the  opposite  side  of  my 
being  too  low.' " 


THS  FEABL  GATS. 


861 


As  the  spring  of  1844  advanced,  the  conflict  became  less 
severe  so  that  she  was  able  to  be  taken  to  Bath  for  a  short 
time,  and  returned  somewhat  improved.  But  afflictions  of 
still  another  kind  now  awaited  her,  and  she  for  whose  de- 
parture others  had  watched  and  for  whom  all  had  felt  such 
intense  solicitude,  was  to  be  herself  sorely  bereaved  before 
her  own  place  became  vacant.  First  her  beloved  sister-in- 
law,  fellow  minister  and  frequent  traveling  companion,  Eliza- 
beth Fry,  who  had  long  sat  beside  her  in  the  home  Meet- 
ing at  Plaistow,  entered  into  rest  on  the  second  of  July. 
This  was  but  a  beginning,  and  something  of  the  approach- 
ing changes  seemed  to  weigh  on  the  invalid's  spirit  which 
now  "  dwelt  much  and  often  on  the  invisible  world."  She 
even  dreamed  that  there  were  graves  opened  all  around  her. 
On  the  18th  of  the  same  month,  July,  a  favorite  little  grand- 
son was  taken;  August  15th,  a  lovely  grand-daughter  fol- 
lowed, "one  of  the  sweetest  blossoms  that  could  gladden 
the  heart  of  a  parent."  This  was  by  scarlet  fever  in  the 
family  of  her  beloved  son  William ;  and  before  the  fearful 
malady  finished  its  work  the  father  and  two  of  his  daugh- 
ters lay  together  in  one  grave. 

This  was  a  heavy  blow  for  the  great  motherly  heart  ot 
Elizabeth  Fry.  Some  said  "  can  she  hear  this  and  live  ?  " 
But  she  met  it  as  she  had  met  the  pains  of  the  flesh,  and 
the  fear  of  man,  by  putting  on  the  whole  armor  of  God. 
"  She  wept  abundantly,  almost  unceasingly,  but  she  dwelt 
constantly  on  the  unseen  world,  and  on  those  passages  in 
the  Bible  which  speak  of  the  happy  state  of  the  righteous." 
Her  journal,  written  before  the  last  grand-daughter's  death, 
dtibcribes  her  feelings. 


862 


ELIZABETH  FBI. 


"  Walmar,  Eighth  Month,  2^th. — Sorrow  upon  sorrow! 
Since  I  last  wrote  we  have  lost  by  death  first,  my  beloved 
sister,  EUzabeth  Fi'y  ;  second,  Gurney  Reynolds,  our  sweet, 
good  grandson ;  third,  Juliana  Fry,  my  dearest  William 
and  Julia's  second  daughter;  and  fourth,  above  all,  our 
most  beloved  son,  William  Storrs  Fry,  who  appeared  to 
catch  the  infection  from  his  little  girl,  and  died  on  Thiid- 
day  of  scarlet  fever,  the  27th  of  this  month.  A  loss  inex- 
pressible— such  a  son,  husband,  friend  and  brother !  but  I 
trust  that  he  is  forever  at  rest  in  Jesus,  through  the  fulness 
of  His  love  and  grace.  The  trial  is  almost  inexpressible. 
Oh !  may  the  Lord  sustain  us  in  this  time  of  deep  distress. 
Oh,  dear  Lord !  keep  Thy  unworthy,  poor,  sick  servant,  in 
this  time  of  unutterable  trial ;  keep  me  sound  in  faith  and 
clear  in  mind,  and  be  very  near  to  us  all — the  poor  widow 
and  childi'en  in  this  time  of  deepest  distress,  and  grant  that 
this  awful  dispensation  may  be  blessed  to  our  souls. 
Amen. 

"This  tenderly  beloved  child  attended  me  to  meeting 
the  last  Fii  st-day  I  was  home,  and  sat  beside  me  on  the 
women's  side." 

The  event  last  spoken  of  is  thus  described  by  her  daugh- 
cers : — 

"A  change  of  scene  and  air  seemed  so  important  for 
her  that  her  son  William's  success  in  obtaining  a  very 
suitable  house  in  Walmar  was  a  real  matter  of  gratulation ; 
but  there  was  another  office  of  love  for  that  beloved  one  to 
perform  for  his  mother  singularly  suited  to  the  bond  of 
iove  and  sympathy  which  had  so  long  united  them,  and 
eminently  fitted  to  be  his  last. 

"  She  had  long  and  earnestly  desu'ed  again  to  attend  the 
meeting  for  worship  at  Plaistow.  It  was  proposed,  from 
bauday  to  Sunday,  but  the  difficult  process  of  dressing  was 
never  accomplished  till  long  after  eleven  o'clock,  the  hour 


THE  PEABL  OATE. 


^63 


when  the  Meeting  assembled.  An  attempt  was  made  on 
the  28th  of  July,  but  totaUy  failed.  Her  disappointment 
was  extreme,  and  the  hold  it  took  of  her  spirits  so  grievous 
that  it  was  resolved  to  make  the  effort  at  any  cost  the  fol- 
lowing Sunday.  Her  son  William  uudertook  to  carry  out 
her  wishes.  Drawn  by  himself  and  a  yoxqigej:  son  in  her 
wheeled  chair,  she  was  taken  up  to  the  Meeting  a  few  min- 
utes after  Friends  had  assembled,  followed  by  her  husband, 
her  children,  and  attendants.  Her  son  William  seated  him- 
self close  by  her  side,  and  the  rest  near  her.  The  silence 
that  prevailed  was  singularly  solemn.  After  some  time,  iu 
a  clear  voice,  she  addressed  the  Meeting.  The  prominent 
topic  of  her  discourse  was  'The  death  of  the  righteous.' 
Siie  expressed  the  deepest  thankfulness,  alluding  to  her 
sister  Elizabeth  Fry,  for  the  mercies  vouchsafed  to  'one 
who  having  labored  long  amongst  them  had  been  called  from 
time  to  eternity.'  She  quoted  that  text,  '  Blessed  are  the 
dead  who  die  in  the  Lord,  for  they  cease  from  then-  labors 
and  theu'  works  do  follow  them.'  She  dwelt  on  the  pur- 
poses of  affliction,  on  the  utter  weakness  and  infirmity  o^ 
tiie  flesh;  she  tenderly  exhorted  the  young,  'The  httle 
children  amongst  us,'  referring  to  the  death  of  little  Gur- 
ney  Eeynolds.  She  urged  the  need  of  devotedness  of  hearfc 
and  steadiness  of  purpose ;  she  raised  a  song  of  praise  for 
the  eternal  hope  offered  to  the  Christian ;  ^ijd  concluded 
with  those  words  of  Isaiah,---' Thine  eyes  shall  see  the  King 
in  His  beauty,  they  shall  behold  the  Land  that  is  very  far 
off.'  Prayer  was  soon  afterwards  offered  by  her  in  much 
the  same  strain.  He  joined  her  iu  that  solemn  act  whof 
never  was  to  worship  with  her  again,  till  before  the  Throne 
and  the  Lamb  they  should  unite  in  that  ineffable  song  of 
praise  which  stays  not,  night  nor  day,  for  ever. 

"About  six  weeks  after  the  decease  of  her  son,"  say» 
Mrs.  Corder,  "she  was  again  favored  with  strength  to  at* 
tend  the  meeting  at  Plaistow.    The  occasion  was  a  memO' 


m 


ELIZABETH  FBV* 


ruble  one.  ^  She  was  led  with  great  power  and  solemnity  tc 
address  t^  different  classes  then  assembled ;  and  perhaps 
few  could  remember  a  Meeting  in  which  her  gift  in  the 
ministry  had  been  exercised  with  greater  weight  and  clear- 
ness, or  with  a  more  remarkable  appropriateness  to  the 
varied  conditions  of  those  who  were  present:  and  she  after- 
wards supplicated  with  a  degree  of  heavenly  power  and 
unction  that  deeply  affected  many  hearts.  From  this  time 
^he  continued  frequently  to  labor  amongst  her  friends  in 
the  ministry,  of  the  word  ;  and  her  bodily  strength  gradu- 
ally increased,  so"%that,  though  very  feeble,  she  was  able 
with  some  assistance,  to  walk  a  little." 

On  the  first  of  November  she  addressed  her  last  letter  Ut 
the  Committee  of  the  Ladies  British  Society. 

My  much-loved  Feiends: 

Amidst  many  sorrows  that  have  been  permitted  for  me 
to  pass  through  and  bodily  suffering,  I  still  feel  a  deep  and 
lively  interest  in  the  cause  of  poor  prisoners ;  and  earnest 
is  my  prayer  that  the  Lord  of  all  grace  may  be  very  near 
to  help  you  to  be  steadfast  in  the  important  Christian  work 
of  seeking  to  win  the  poor  wanderers  to  retuin,  repent  and 
live ;  that  they  may  know  Christ  to  be  their  Savioui",  Re- 
deemer, and  hope  of  glory.  May  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God 
direct  your  steps,  strengthen  your  heai  ts,  and  enable  you 
and  me  to  glorify  our  Holy  Head,  in  doing  and  suffering, 
even  unto  the  end :  and  when  the  end  comes,  through  a 
Savioui-'s  love  and  merits,  may  we  be  received  into  glory 
find  everlasting  peace. 

In  Christian  love  and  fellowship, 

I  am  affectionately  your  friend, 

Elizabeth  Fot." 

The  list  of  near  and  dear  friends  that  were  to  pass  oo 


THE  FEAKL  GATE. 


36S 


before  her  and  swell  the  company  in  waiting  to  welcome 
her  spirit  to  its  final  rest,  was  not  yet  complete.  On  thd 
first  of  December  a  niece,  "  daughter  of  her  late  beloved 
Bister  Louisa  Hoare,  died, — a  few  days  after  her  infant 
son."    On  this  occasion  Elizabeth  Fry  wrote: — 

"  Eleventh  Month,  2nd. — The  accounts  of  to-day  are 
deeply  affecting — to  have  the  grave  once  more  (and  so  soon) 
opened  amnngst  us.  What  can  we  say,  but  that  'it  is  the 
Lord ; '  for  the  flesh  is  very  weak  and  these  things  are  hard 
to  our  nature.  I  have  felt  the  pain  of  tbis  fresh  sorrow, 
but  desire  that  all  most  closely  concerned  may  find  Him 
^ery  near  to  them  who  'healeth  the  broken  in  heart  and 
bindeth  up  their  wounds.'  My  love  and  sympathy  to  all 
most  nearly  interested.  We  have  our  poor  Julia  and  her 
children  here,  and  very  touching  it  is  to  be  with  them.  I 
am,  I  think,  just  now  very  poorly,  and  much  cast  down, 
but  I  remember  the  Scriptural  words,  'cast  down,  but  not 
destroyed.' " 

The  increasing  illness  of  her  brother-in-law.  Sir  Thomaa 
Fowell  Buxton,  now  enlisted  her  warm  interest  and  sympa- 
thy.   To  his  eldest  daughter  she  wrote : 

«  Twelfth  Month,  1844. 

"My  dearest  Peiscilla: 

Thanks  for  thy  kindness  in  writing  to  me  in  this  time  of 
deep  sorrow;  but,  strange  to  say,  before  thy  note  came  I 
had  been  so  much  with  you  in  spirit  that  I  was  ready  to 
believe  thy  dearest  father  was  sinking.  I  have  felt  such 
unity  with  him  spiritually.  My  text  for  him,  in  my  low 
state  this  morning  was,  'The  sun  shall  be  no  more  thy 
light  by  day ;  neither  for  brightness  shall  the  moon  giva 
light  unto  thee:  but  the  Lord  shall  be  unto  thee  au  cve> 


366 


KLlZiBETH  FRY. 


lasting  ligtt,  and  thy  God  tby  glory.'  I  believe  this  will 
be  his  most  blessed  experience  whenever  our  Lord  takes 
him  to  Himself.  I  write  with  difficulty  and  in  haste,  but 
my  heart  is  so  very  full  towards  you  that  I  must  express 
myself.  My  dear  love  to  every  one  of  your  tenderly  beloved 
party,  particularly  thy  mother.  I  feel  as  it  respects  thy 
dearest  father,  whether  a  member  of  the  Church  militant  ov 
the  Church  triumphant,  all  is  well — and  we  may,  through 
all  our  tribulations  return  God  thanks  who  giveth  us  the 
victory  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord." 

This  noble  man  and  Christian  statesman  passed  to  his 
inheritance  on  the  19th  of  February,  1845. 

After  this  event,  and  the  removal  of  a  son-in-law,  on  ac- 
count of  his  health,  with  his  wife  and  a  portion  of  their 
children  to  Madeira, — which  also  proved  a  final  parting- 
Elizabeth  Fry  felt  a  strong  desire  to  revisit  Norfolk  and 
stay  awhile  at  her  childhood  home.  This  was  accomplished- 
with  great  difficulty  by  the  aid  of  her  husband  and  daugh- 
ter Louisa ;  and  she  remained  at  Earlham  many  weeks, 
"often  able  to  partake  of  enjoyment,  and  highly  valuing 
the  communion  with  her  endeared  brother,  Joseph  John 
Gurney,  his  wife,  and  her  beloved  sister  Catherine. "J 

"She  went  frequently  to  Meeting  at  Norwich.  She  waa 
drawn  up  to  the  Meeting  seated  in  her  wheeled  chair,  and 
thence  nainistered  with  extraordinary  life  and  power  to 
those  present ;  her  memory  in  using  Scripture  in  no  degree 
failing  her,  or  her  power  in  applying  it." 

That  wheeled  chair  ought  to  be  preserved  as  long  as  art 
can  keep  it.  The  throne  of  Queen  Elizabeth  is  not  half  so 
hoaorable.   Her  brother,  speaking.of  this  visit,  says: 


THE  PEAEL  GATE 


367 


"My  dear  sister  Fry's  visit  has  been  very  satisfactory, 
and  very  sweet  has  it  been  to  our  feelings  to  enjoy  her 
company.  Her  infirmity  is  indeed  great,  and  her  memory 
a  little  failing.  Yet  at  times  this  infirmity  subsides  and 
she  is  much  like  her  own  dear  and  precious  self.  The  Lord's 
anointing  is  still  upon  her,  and  she  has  been  well  engaged 
in  our  meeting,  which  is  held  at  eleven  o'clock,  on  her  ac- 
count, and  which  she  has  attended  two  First-day  mornings 
in  succession.  The  preserving,  sustaining  hand  of  the 
Lord  is  evidently  vpith  her." 

From  Earlham  she  went  to  Northrepps  "in  order  to 
mingle  her  sorrows  with  those  of  her  much  beloved  and 
bereaved  sister  Buxton  and  other  mourners  there.  The 
last  letter  she  ever  addressed  to  her  husband  was  from  that 
place,  dated  Fourth  jJouth,  10th,  1845." 

"My  Deaeest  Husband: — 

I  am  anxious  to  express  to  thee  a  little  of  my  near  love, 
to  tell  thee  how  often  I  visit  thee  in  spuit,  and  how  very 
strong  are  my  desires  for  thy  present  and  everlasting  wel- 
fare. I  feel  for  thee  in  my  long  illness  which  so  much  dis- 
qualifies me  from  being  all  I  desire  to  thee.  I  desire  that 
thou  mayst  turn  to  the  Lord  for  help  and  consolation  under 
thy  trials,  and  that  whilst  not  depending  on  the  passing 
pleasures  and  enjoyments  of  this  world,  thou  mayst,  at  the 
same  time  be  enabled  to  enjoy  our  many  remaining  bless- 
ings. I  also  desire  this  for  myself,  in  my  afflicted  state, 
for  I  do  consider  such  a  state  of  health  a  heavy  affliction, 
independent  of  all  other  trials.  I  very  earnestly  desire  for 
myself  that  the  deep  tribulation  I  have  had  to  pass  through 
for  so  long  a  time,  may  not  lead  into  temptation,  but  be 
sanctified  to  the  further  refinement  of  my  soul,  and  prepa- 
ration for  eternal  rest,  joy  and  glory.  May  we,  during  oui 
stay  in  time,  be  more  and  more  sweetly  united  in  the  unity 
of  the  Spirit,  and  in  the  bond  of  Peace.    .    .  ." 


S68 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


Her  health  improved  sufficiently  to  enable  her  to  attend 
two  sittings  of  the  Yearly  Meeting.  The  event  is  thus  de- 
scribed by  a  Friend  who  was  present : — 

"She  had  for  many  years  been  regular  in  her  attendance 
upon  these  meetings,  and  had  taken  a  lively  interest  in  their 
proceedings.  After  an  illness  so  critical,  and  still  in  a  state 
of  such  great  infirmity,  to  see  her  again  amongst  them  was 
scaicely  less  gratifying  to  many  of  the  Friends  there  than 
it  was  interesting  to  herself.  On  this  occasion  she  spoke 
of  the  Saviour's  declaration,  'I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the 
branches ;  as  the  branch  cannot  bear  fruit  of  itself,  except 
it  abide  in  the  vine,  no  more  can  ye  except  ye  abide  in  me.* 
She  alluded  in  the  course  of  her  observations  to  the  day 
that  is  '  fast  approaching  to  every  one ; '  but  urged  the 
blessed  truth  on  her  hearers  that  those  '  who  loved,  served 
and  obeyed  Him  who  alone  is  worthy  of  all  glory  and  praise, 
would  find  death  deprived  of  its  sting  and  the  grave  of  its 
victory.'  The  second  meeting  she  attended  was  one  when  a 
Friend,  Edwin  O.  Tregelles,  gave  a  relation  of  his  mission- 
ary labors  in  the  West  Indies.  This  recital  drew  from  her 
some  account  of  her  own  travels  on  the  Continent.  She 
afterwards  enlarged  upon  the  various  instruments  by  which 
God  accomplishes  His  works  in  the  world.  She  referred  to 
the  simile  of  the  different  hving  stones  which  compose  the 
temple  of  God.  She  addressed  those  of  evei-y  age  who  heard 
her ;  especially  such  as  might  be  compared  to  the  hidden 
stones  of  the  building.  She  encouraged  them  to  go  forward 
faithfully  in  the  path  of  righteousness  and  good  works :  fat 
though  they  might  not  be  so  much  seen  and  known  as  the 
more  polished  stones  in  the  ornamental  parts  of  the  struo- 
ture — though  perhaps  not  so  fitted  to  shine  and  occupy  a 
conspicuous  station— yet  were  their  places  equally  ordered, 
equally  important,  and  equally  under  the  dii'ection  and  all- 
seeing  eye  of  the  Divine  Architect.    She  expressed  doubts 


TEE  FEABL  OATS. 


8dd 


as  to  whether  she  should  again  be  permitted  to  meet  her 
beloved  friends  in^that  place.  She  offered  prayer,  her  rich 
full  voice  filling  the  house,  and  concluded  with  that  sublime 
passage,  '  Great  apd  marvelous  are  Thy  works  Lord  God 
Almighty!  just  and  true  are  Thy  ways  Thou  King  of 
Saints.'" 

On  the  3rd  of  June  she  attended  the  Annual  Meeting  of 
the  Ladies  British  Society  which,  to  spare  her  fatigue,  wa» 
held  in  the  Friends  Meeting-house  at  Plaistow.  After  her 
death  this  occasion  was  referred  to  in  a  touching  memorial 
drawn  up  by  the  members  of  this  first  of  the  numerous  or- 
ganizations  of  which  she  was  the  founder. 

"  Contrary  to  usual  custom  the  place  of  meeting  fixed  on 
was  not  in  London,  but  at  Plaistow,  in  Essex ;  and  the  large 
number  of  Friends  who  gathered  round  her  upon  that  occa- 
sion proved  how  gladly  they  came  to  her,  when  she  could 
no  longer  with  ease  be  conveyed  to  them.  The  enfeebled 
state  of  her  bodily  fi'ame  seemed  to  have  left  the  powers  of 
her  mind  imshackled,  and  she  took,  though  in  a  sitting  pos- 
ture, almost  her  usual  part  in  addressing  the  Meeting.  She 
urged  with  increased  pathos  and  affection  the  objects  of 
philanthropy  and  Christian  benevolence  with  which  her  life 
had  been  identified.  After  the  Meeting,  and  at  her  own  de- 
sire, several  members  of  the  Committee  and  other  Frienda 
assembled  aA  her  house.  They  were  welcomed  by  her  with 
the  greatest  benignity  and  kindness,  and  in  her  intercourse 
^th  them  strong  were  the  indications  of  the  heavenly 
teaching  through  which  her  subdued  and  sanctified  spirit 
i)ad  been  called  to  pass.  Her  affectionate  salutation  in 
parting  unconsciously  closed,  in  regard  to  most  of  them, 
the  intercourse  which  they  delighted  to  hold  with  her,  but 
which  caa.Jio  more  be  renewed  on  this  side  of  the  eternal 
world." 


370 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


At  tliis  time  Newgate,  Bridewell,  the  Millbank  Prison,  the 
Gillspur  Street  Compter,  White  Cross  Street  Prison,  Tothill 
Fields  Prison,  and  Cold  Bath  Fields  Prison  were  in  good 
order,  and  the  female  convicts  all  cared  for  by  the  Commit- 
tee.  The  prisons  generally,  throughout  England  were 
much  improved,  and  in  the  greater  number  ladies  were  en- 
couraged to  visit  the  female  convicts,  and  more  than  this, 
Elizabeth  Fry  had  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  "  that  the 
principles  she  had  so  long  asserted  were  universally  recog- 
nized; that  the  object  of  penal  legislation  is  not  revenge, 
but  the  prevention  of  crime ;  in  the  first  place  by  affording 
opportunity  of  reform  to  the  criminal,  and  in  the  second  by 
warning  others  from  the  consequences  of  its  commission." 

As  summer  advanced  her  husband  took  her  to  Ramsgate, 
to  obtain  the  benefit  of  sea  air.  Before  going  there  to  re- 
main she  made  a  large  wedding-party,  at  Upton,  for  her 
youngest  son  whose  marriage  was  particularly  pleasing  to 
her,  because  he  chose  a  Quakeress  and  friend  of  hers  for  his 
wife.  She  spoke  of  it  as  a  "ray  of  light  upon  a  dark  pic- 
ture." 

"  She  received  her  guests  in  a  room  opening  into  the  flow- 
er garden,  and  thence  was  wheeled  to  the  end  of  the  ter- 
race ;  a  very  large  family  circle  surrounded  her,  many  con- 
nections, and  others  of  her  friends.  It  was  a  beautiful 
scene, — the  last  social  family  meeting  at  wbi^  she  presid- 
ed ;  and  although  infirm  and  broken  in  hfe'kl th,  she  looked 
and  seamed  herself. 

"  In  an  easy  chair,  under  the  large  marquee,  she  entered 
into  an  animated  discourse  on  various  important  topics  with 
the  group  around  her,  the  Chevalier  Bunsen,  M.  Mer.a 
D'Aubigne,  Sir  Henry  Pelley,  Josiah  Forster,  her  brother 


THE  PEABL  OATB. 


871 


Samuel  Gurney,  and  others  of  her  friends.  An  event  of 
great  interest  shortly  followed — the  marriage  of  her  faith* 
fill  niece,  Elizabeth  Gurney,  to  Ernest  Bunsen.  This  con- 
nection was  one  which  her  aunt  liked,  inasmuch  as  she  val- 
ued the  individual  and  highly  esteemed  his  excellent  and 
gifted  parents,  though  not  unmingled  with  regret  that  the 
childien  of  her  brother  and  sister,  as  so  many  of  her  own 
had  done,  should  leave  the  Society  of  Friends  by  marriage, 
and  thus  separate  themselves  from  that  body  of  Christiana 
to  which  their  parents  were  so  warmly  attached.  The  wed- 
ding took  place  on  the  5th  of  August.  She  joined  the  par- 
ty afterwards  at  Ham  House.  It  was  an  occasion  of  singu- 
lar interest ;  Christian  love,  unity,  and  good  feeling  prevail- 
ing over  'diversities  of  administration,'  yet  all  owning  'the 
same  Lord.' " 

This  occasion  was  referred  to  by  Madam  (afterward  Bar- 
oness) Bunsen,  in  a  letter  written  after  Mrs.  Fry's  death, 
as  follows : 

"We  shall  not  look  upon  her  like  again!  and  must  try 
to  preserve  the  impression  of  her  majesty  of  goodness  which 
it  is  a  great  privilege  to  have  beheld.  I  never  wished  more 
for  the  possession  of  the  accurate  memory  which  once  was 
mine,  than  after  hearing  her  exhort  and  pray,  particularly 
on  the  day  of  Ernest's  marriage.  When  we  were  at  her 
house  on  the  3rd  of  July,  on  taking  leave  she  said,  'May 
God  bestow  upon  you  His  best  gifts!  the  fatness  of  the 
earth  is  good,  but  the  dew  of  Heaven  is  better.' " 

In  a  letter  of  condolence  to  her  daughter-in-law.  Madam 
Bunsen  also  made  this  remark  which  it  is  pleasant  to  repeat 
as  the  tribute  of  one  gifted  and  noble  woman  to  another : 

"  What  your  blessed  Aunt  was  for  those  who  had  the 


372 


ELIZABETH  FEY. 


privilege  of  approaching  her  continually,  can  in  some  de- 
gree be  felt,  even  by  us  who  only  occasionally  had  felt  her 
influence  and  been  aware  of  the  degree  in  which  her  whole 
life  seemed  to  realize  the  life  of  God  in  man.  She  met  ev- 
erybody in  every  human  sympathy,  hnl  of  sin  seemed  to 
take  no  cognizance  except  in  compassion. "  * 

"During  the  week  following  she  was  moved  to  the  house 
on  Mount  Albion  at  Eamsgate  which  had  been  prepared  for 
her  A  spacious  bed-chamber  adjoining  the  drawing-room, 
with  pleasant  views  of  the  sea,  in  which  she  delighted,  add- 
ed to  her  hourly  comfort  and  enjoyment.  She  found  ol> 
jects  there  well  suited  to  her  tastes.  She  distributed  tracts 
when  she  drove  into  the  country,  or  went  upon  the  Pier  in 
a  Bath  chair.  Seafaring  men  have  a  certain  openness  of 
character  which  renders  them  more  easy  of  access  than  oth- 
ers. They  would  gladly  receive  her  little  offerings  and  lis- 
ten to  her  remarks.  She  was  also  anxious  to  ascertain  the 
state  of  the  Coast  Guard  Libraries — whether  they  required 
renewing,  and  were  properly  used. " 

Some  of  her  family  and  friends  were  always  with  her, 
and  did  all  that  love  and  art  could  do  to  make  her  descent 
easy ;  but  the  bonds  of  mortality  were  still  very  painful. 
Her  account  with  Nature  had  been  over-drawn,  and  though 
it  was  in  the  best  of  causes,  the  day  of  reckoning  must 
come.  One  h  ad  before  said,  speaking  prophetically  for  An» 
other,  "The  zeal  of  Thine  house  hath  eaten  me  ur> : "  and 
although  in  a  different  manner,  it  was  yet  true  that  thia 
pure-souled  woman  laid  down  her  life  prematui-ely  and 
painfully,  that  she  might  reconcile  sinners  unto  God.  The 
earnestness  with  which  she  toiled  cut  short  her  days  in  sor- 


*Life  and  Letters  of  Baroness  BvmseiL 


lUlS  fEABI.  GATE. 


873 


row.  "Whether  or  not  it  was  wise  or  justifiable  to  go  be- 
yond her  strength,  whether  the  Spirit  of  Highest  Love  and 
Wisdom  raally  called  for  so  much,  or  for  only  a  part,  and 
the  momentum  of  excited  feeling  gave  the  extraordinary 
exertion  and  incurred  the  suffering,  and  whether  more  good 
was  done  during  the  time  she  labored  than  would  have 
been  done  had  she  kept  the  fire  from  consuming  the  instru- 
ment and  lived  to  work  longer,  are  questions  difficult  to 
answer.  It  is  no  doubt  true  that  in  the  disordered  condi- 
tion of  the  world,  where  so  few  will  do  their  part,  those 
willing  and  best  competent  must  often  become  martyrs; 
must  freely  sacrifice  their  lives  for  the  safety  or  improve- 
ment of  the  race.  And  the  three  j'ears  of  daily  outpouring, 
struggle,  and  combat  which  Jesus  spent  in  Judea  and  Gal- 
lilee  formed  a  longer  span  of  time,  if  measured  by  their 
fruits,  than  that  of  the  whole  patriarchal  age.  Still  the 
forfeit  must  be  paid.  The  laws  of  nature,  physical  and 
moral  alike,  are  inflexible.  Atonement  cannot  be  complet- 
ed without  a  vicarious  sacrifice  equivalent  to  the  shedding 
oLblood,  in  larger  or  smaller  measure,  according  to  the 
eSigency.  The  sacrifice  of  Christ  was  for  the  whole  world ; 
that  of  His  children  is  for  such  a  part  as  they  stand  relat- 
ed: to  in  like  manner,  as  His  ministers — heads  of  nations, 
famihes  and  so  on-  As  we  are  branches  of  the  one  Vine 
our  crosses  must  also  be  branches  of  the  one  Cross.  Hav- 
\tg  been  saved  by  the  one  efficient  Offering,  does  not  ex- 
empt us  from  sorrow  and  sacrifice ;  but  it  raises  these  to 
the  same  divine  order  and  makes  us  partakers  of  the  vica-? 
rious  sorrow  of  Christ  for  the  sins  and  wants  of  others. 
How  it  ennobles  the  sufferings  of  Elizabeth  Fry  to  know 


874 


KIIZABETB  FB7. 


that  they  were  the  direct  consequence  of  her  earnest  zeal 
to  serve  her  Master  ia  pleading  for  the  lowest  class  of  so- 
ciety and  bringing  the  means  of  restoration  within  their 
reach.  How  touching  becomes  this  nearly  last  entry  in  her 
Journal,  written  in  an  almost  illegible  hand:  — 

"  Jiam^gale,  Eighth  Mon'.h,  21th. — It  still  pleases  my 
Heavenly  Father  that  afflictions  should  abound  to  me  in  this 
tabernacle;  as  I  groan,  being  barthened.  Lord,  through 
the  fullness  of  Thy  love  and  pity  and  unmerited  mercy  be 
pleased  to  arise  for  my  help.  Bind  up  my  broken  heart, 
heal  my  wounded  spirit,  and  yet  enable  Thy  servant,  through 
the  power  of  Thine  own  Spirit,  in  everything  to  return 
Thee  thanks,  and  not  to  faint  in  the  day  of  trouble,  but  in 
humility  and  godly  fear  to  show  forth  Thy  praise.  Keep 
me  Thine  own,  through  Thy  power  to  do  this,  and  pity  and 
help  Thy  poor  servant  who  trusteth  in  Thee.  Be  very  near 
to  our  dear  son  and  daughter  in  Madeira.  Be  with  them 
and  all  near  to  us  wherever  scattered ;  and  grant  that  Thy 
peace  and  blessing  may  rest  upon  us  all.    Amen  and  amen." 

September  14th  she  wrote  to  her  brother  Samuel  Gur- 
ney— 

"I  was  very  low  when  I  wrote  to  thee  yesterday,  there- 
fore do  not  think  too  much  of  it.  There  is  One  only  who 
eees  in  secret  who  knows  the  coutiicts  I  have  to  pass  thi'Ough. 
To  Him  I  commit  my  body,  soul,  and  spu-it;  and  He  only 
knows  the  depth  of  my  love  and  earnestness  of  my  pl'ayers 
for  you  all.  I  have  the  humble  trusc  that  He  will  be  my 
Keeper  even  unto  the  end ;  and  when  the  end  comes, 
through  the  fullness  of  His  love,  and  the  abundance  of  His 
merits,  I  shall  join  those  who,  after  having  passed  'thi'ough 
great  tribulation,'  are  forever  at  rest  in  Jesus,  having 
♦  washed  their  robes  and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of 

the  Lamb.' 

♦'I  am,  in  nearest  love, 
Thy  grateful  and  tenderly  attached  sister,      E.  F." 


TEB  PEABL  6ATB.  ^5 

"Pray  remember  the  books  for  the  poor  old  women;  we 
must  -work  while  it  is  called  'to-day,'  however  low  the  ser- 
vice w  e  may  be  called  to ;  I  desire  to  do  so  to  the  end, 
through  the  help  that  may  be  granted  me." 

After  this  she  rode  four  miles  to  attend  a  little  meeting, 
and  "preached  a  most  powerful  and  remarkable  sermon  on 
the  nearness  of  death  and  the  necessity  of  immediate  repent- 
ance and  preparation,  for  she  believed  to  some  of  that  small 
congiegation  it  was  the  eleventh  hour  of  the  day." 

"Her  habits  at  this  time  were  apparently  those  of  former 
days.  She  was  a  good  deal  occupied  by  writing.  She  ar- 
ranged and  sorted  Bibles,  Testaments  and  tracts.  She  had 
applied  to  the  Bible  Society  for  a  grant  of  foreign  Bibles 
and  Testaments  which  was  liberally  acceded  to,  and  in  the 
distribution  of  which,  amongst  the  sailors  of  different  na- 
tions in  the  harbor,  she  took  great  interest." 

She  attended  meeting  for  worship  October  5th,  referring 
to  which  on  her  return  she  said,  "  We  have  had  a  very  re- 
markable meeting,  such  a  peculiarly  solemn  time ;"  adding 
that  she  had  been  so  impressed  by  the  "need  of  working 
whilst  it  was  day,  to  be  ready  for  the  Master's  summons, 
come  when  He  might."  Those  who  were  present  described 
the  occasion  as  "a  very  peculiar  one.  She  had  urged  the 
question  '  Ai'e  we  all  now  ready  ?  If  the  Master  should  this 
day  call  us,  is  the  work  completely  finished?  Have  we  any- 
thing left  to  do?'  Solemnly,  almost  awfully.i-eiteratingthe 
question,  '  Are  we  prepared  ? '  " 

On  Friday  of  the  following  week  she  wrote  a  letter,  and 
copied  some  texts  for  a  person  who  desired  her  autograph. 
She  then  brought  out  some  sheets  of  Scripture  selections 


876 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


which  she  was  preparing  with  a  view  to  eventually  publish- 
ing another  Text-book.  "With  this  devout  employment, 
was  finished  her  work  below."  On  riding  out  later  in  the 
morning  her  mind  seemed  to  be  abstracted  from  surround- 
ing objects,  so  that  she  failed  to  notice  a  request  for  "  some 
reading  "  from  a  farmer's  boy  who  was  keeping  cows,  until 
her  grandchildren  placed  her  tract-bag  in  her  hand,  and 
then  she  made  the  selections  "  with  a  slow  and  distracted 
air,  as  if  her  thoughts  were  far  away." 

The  next  morning  she  awoke  suflFering  severely  in  her 
head ;  but  received  company  which  she  had  invited  to  din- 
ner, and  conversed  a  little.  In  the  afternoon  her  strength 
failed  and  she  was  with  difficulty  removed  to  her  bed ;  but 
she  answered  the  physician's  questions  correctly. 

About  six  o'clock  on  Sabbath  morning  she  said  to  her 
maid,  "  Oh!  Mary,  dear  Mary,  I  am  very  ill!  "  "I  know  it, 
dearest  Ma'am,  I  know  it,"  replied  the  sei-vant.  Soon  she 
added,  "  Pray  for  me — it  is  a  strife — but  I  am  safe."  Near 
nine  o'clock,  while  one  of  her  daughters  was  sitting  by  her 
bed  side  with  the  Bible  opened  to  a  favorite  passage  in  Isa- 
iah, she  roused  a  little  from  her  comatose  state,  and  in  a 
Blow,  distinct  voice  uttered  these  words : — "  Oh !  my  dear 
Lord,  help  and  keep  Thy  servant ! "  Her  daughter  then 
read  the  passage, — "I  the  Lord  thy  God  will  hold  thy 
right  hand,  saying  unto  thee,  fear  not  thou  worm  Jacob, 
and  ye  men  of  Israel,  I  will  help  thee,  saith  the  Lord,  and 
thy  Kedeemer,  the  Holy  One  of  Israel."  One  bright  look 
of  recognition  passed  over  her  features,  and  then  she  sank 
into  a  state  of  unconsciousness  from  which  she  did  not  re- 
vive.   About  four  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  October  13th, 


THB  FEAKL  QAT£. 


377 


1845,  the  strife  of  nature  ceased,  and  she  entered  into  that 
Rest  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God. 

"What  imagination  can  picture  the  scene  as  her  spirit  rose 
to  meet  the  happy  company  waiting  to  welcome  her  to  that 
"City  which  hath  no  need  of  the  sun,  neither  of  the  moon 
to  shine  in  it ;  for  the  Glory  of  God  doth  lighten  it,  and 
the  Lamb  is  the  light  thereof ! " 

The  funeral  took  place  at  Barking  a  few  miles  from  Lon- 
don, where  a  large  company  assembled  in  a  spacious  tent 
erected  for  the  occasion,  and  appropriate  services  were  held 
in  the  quiet  order  of  Friends,  which  admitted  of  no  public 
demonstration.  Her  monument  had  long  been  erected  in 
the  hearts  of  the  people,  where  it  must  remain,  rising  still 
higher  as  long  as  her  story  is  read.  If  every  grateful  recol- 
lection of  Elizabeth  Fry  were  represented  by  a  stone  as 
beautiful  as  that  memory,  no  mateiial  monument  of  king  or 
hero  has  ever  equaled  what  these  would  build.  And  may 
not  such,  in  some  higher  sense,bethe  nature  of  theheavenly 
mansion  which  her  Lord  has  prepared  for  her,  by  the  aid  ol 
her  own  faithfulness  and  industry — a  home  of  joy — built 
up  and  adorned  not  only  with  gems  of  human  love  and  es- 
teem, but,  crowning  all  with  that  Pearl  for  which  she  freely 
gave  all  that  she  possessed. 

Possibly  too  that  faithful  Rewarder  of  His  servants  may 
have  ordained  as  He  did  in  the  case  of  another,  who,  from 
the  broken  alabaster  box,  poured  the  precious  ointment  up- 
on His  head  and  Kia  feet — "Wheresoever  this  gospel  shall 
be  preached  in  the  whole  world,  there  also  shall  this  which 
this  woman  hath  done  be  told  for  a  memorial  of  her." 

We  cannot  more  fittingly  close  this  account  than  with 


ELIZABETH  FEl. 


the  concluding  remarks  of  her  daughters  who  are  her  aa- 
thenticliiog^apIiVrs,  and  who  were  naturally  best  qualified 
to  express  what  remained  to  be  said  af  cer  she  had  herself 
spoken. 

"CoNGLusioN. — There  may  be  some  who  expect  a  sketch 
to  be  Eere  given  of  the  chai-acter  of  Elizabeth  Fry — but  a 
little  reflection  will  show  that  ia  the  present  case  to  attempt 
doing  so  :^ould  be  presumptuous.  Neither  is  it  necessary* 
Her'"actions  and  conduct  in  life  have  been  narrated.  Her 
letters  to  her  family  and  friends  portray  her  domestic 
feelings  and  her  power  of  loTing.  Her  communications  to 
others  supply  the  knowledge  of  lier  opinions  upon  the  sub- 
jects to  jyhich  she  gave  her  attention.  In  her  Journal  may 
be  found  the  outpourings  of  her  heai"t,  the  communings  be- 
tween God  and  her  own  soul. 

"But  there  is  a  voice  from  the  Dead — and  the  living  are 
called  to  proclaim,  before  their  work  is  concluded  and  the 
memory  of  the  departed  committed  to  the  stream  of  time, 
something  of  her  earnest  desu-es  for  the  well-being  of  her 
fellow  creatures,  especially  for  that  of  her  own  sex.  Sha 
was  willing  to  spend  and  be  spent  in  her  Master's  service. 
She  considered  herself  called  to  a  peculiar  course.  Sh© 
was  very  young  when  she  first  saw  a  prison;  she  had  an  ex- 
traordinary deshe  to  visit  one,  and  at  last  her  father  yield- 
ed to  her  wishes  and  took  her  to  see  a  bridewell — when  and 
where  is  not  exactly  known ;  but  not  long  before  her  death 
she  narrated  the  ch-cumstances  to  a  friend,  and  how  power- 
ful an  impression  it  had  made  upon  her  mind.  It  must  be 
a  question  whether  this  visit  was  occasioned  by,  or  led  to 
the  pecuUar  bent  of  her  disposition;  that  it  tended  to 
strengthen  it  is  indubitable,  and  that  it  was  one  link  in  the 
chain:  of  Providential  chcumstances  which  produced  in  the 
end  such  signal  results.  But  she  would  have  shi-unk  from 
ur;:ing  the  same  course  upon  others.    She  feared  her 


THE  PEABL  OATK. 


373 


daughters,  and  young  women  generally,  undertaking  ques* 
tionable  or  difficult  public  offices;  but  she  believed  that 
where  one  erred  from  over-activity  in  duty  many  mora 
omitted  that  which  it  behooved  them  to  perform.  '  Wom- 
an's mission '  has  become  almost  a  word  of  the  day.  Eliza- 
beth Fry  was  persuaded  that  every  woman  has  her  individ* 
ual  vocation  and  that  in  following  it  she  would  fulfill  her  mis- 
sion. She  laid  great  stress  on  the  outward  cu'cumstances 
of  life ;  how  and  where  providentially  placed ;  the  opportu- 
nities afforded ;  the  powers  given.  She  considered  domes- 
tic duties  the  first  and  greatest  earthly  claims  in  the  life  of 
woman ;  although,  in  accordance  with  the  tenets  of  the  So- 
ciety to  which  she  belonged,  she  believed  in  some  instances, 
her  own  amongst  others,  that  under  the  immediate  direction 
of  the  Spu'it  of  God,  individuals  were  called  to  leave  for  a 
time  their  homes  and  families  and  devote  themselves  to  the 
work  of  the  ministry.  She  did  not  consider  this  call  to  be 
general,  or  to  apply  to  persons  under  an  administration 
different  from  her  own.  But  it  was  her  conviction  that 
there  is  a  sphere  of  usefulness  open  to  all.  She  appreciat- 
ed to  the  full  the  usual  charities  of  gentlewomen — their  vis- 
its to  the  sick  and  aged  poor,  and  their  attention  to  the  cot- 
tage children;  but  she  grieved  to  think  how  few  complete 
the  work  of  mercy  by  following  the  widow  or  disabled  when 
driven  by  necessity  to  the  workhouse,  or  caring  for  tho 
workhouse  school,  that  resort  of  the  orphaned  and  forsaken, 
less  attractive,  perhaps,  than  the  school  of  the  village,  but 
even  more  requiring  oversight  and  attention. 

"A  fearful  accident,  or  hereditary  disease,  consigns  the 
mother  of  a  family,  or  some  frail  child  to  the  hospital.  In 
how  many  cases  does  she  lie  there  from  day  to  day,  watch- 
ing the  rays  of  the  morning  sun  reflected  on  the  wall  oppo- 
Bite,  tracing  them  as  they  move  onward  through  the  day 
and  disappear  as  it  advances — and  this,  perhaps  for  weeks 
and  months,  without  hearing  the  voice  of  kindness  and  sym* 


B80 


ELIZABETH  FBI. 


pathy  from  her  own  sex,  save  from  the  matron,  or  the  hireS 

jim'ses  of  the  establishment.  What  might  not,  and  when 
bestowed,  what  does  not, woman's  tenderness  effect  here  ? 

"  She  heard  of  thousands  and  ten-thousands  of  homeless 
find  abandoned  children,  wandering  or  perishing  in  our 
streets.  She  knew  that  attempts  were  made  to  rescue  them, 
and  that  unflinching  men  and  women  labored  and  toiled  to 
infuse  some  portion  of  moral  health  into  that  mass  of  hving 
corruption ;  but  she  mourned  that  so  few  assisted  in  this 
work  of  mercy,  compared  to  the  many  who  utterly  neglect 
the  call.  She  saw  a  vast  number  of  her  own  sex  degraded 
and  guUty — many  a  fair  young  creature,  once  the  light  of 
her  parents'  dwelling,  fallen  and  polluted — many  who  had 
filled  useful  situations  in  business  or  domestic  sei'vice  sunk- 
en and  debased — the  downward  road  open  wide  before  thera 
but  no  hand  stretched  forth  to  lift  them  the  first  step  up 
the  rugged  path  of  repentance,  or  assist  in  their  hard  strug- 
gle against  sin.  She  encountered  in  the  prisons  every  grade 
and  variety  of  crime — woman  bold  and  daring  and  reckless, 
reveling  in  her  iniquity  and  hardened  in  vice,  her  only  re- 
maining joy  to  seduce  othets  and  make  them  still  more  the 
children  of  Hell  than  herself ;  the  thoughtless  culprit,  not 
lost  to  good  and  holy  feeling  nor  dead  to  impression  from 
without ;  and  lastly  the  beginner,  she  who  from  poverty 
had  been  driven  to  theft  or  di'awu  by  others  into  tempta- 
tion. Elizabeth  Fry  mai'ked  all  these  and  despaired  of  none 
amongst  them  I  Here  again,  in  her  estimation,  a  crying 
need  existed  for  influence,  for  instruction,  for  reproof,  and 
for  encouragement.  But  it  was  not  to  all  she  would  have 
allotted  this  task,  though  she  could  never  be  persuaded  but 
that  in  every  instance  women  well  qualified  for  the  of&ee 
might  be  found  to  care  for  the  interests  of  the  people. 

"  These  were  the  things  which  she  saw  and  bitterly  de* 
plored.  She  believed  that  a  mighty  power  rested  with  her 
own  sex  to  check  and  control  this  torrent  of  evil — a  moral 


THE  FEABL  GATE. 


381 


force  which  the  educated  and  virtuous  might  bring  to  bear 
upon  the  ignorant  and  vicious.  She  desired  to  have  every 
home  duty  accomplished,  every  household  affection  met; 
but  reason  and  Scripture  taught  her  that  each  individual  has 
something  to  bestow,  either  of  time,  talent,  or  wealth,  which, 
spent  in  the  service  of  others,  would  return  in  blessing  on 
herself  and  her  own  family.  In  the  little  parlor  behind  the 
shop,  in  the  suburban  villa,  in  the  perfumed  boudoir  and 
the  gilded  hall,  she  saw  powers  unemployed  and  time  un- 
occupied. She  lived  to  illustrate  all  that  she  had  advocat- 
ed. She  wore  away  her  life  in  striving  for  the  good  of  her 
fellow-beings. 

"Does  she  now  regret  those  labors?  or  find  any  service 
to  have  been  'in  vain  in  the  Lord?  '  When  our  great  Re- 
deemer declared  that  in  feeding  the  hungry  and  giving  the 
thirsty  di-ink,  receiving  the  stranger,  clothing  the  naked, 
end  visiting  the  sick,  it  was  done  unto  Him,  He  added,  '  I 
was  iu  prison  and  ye  came  unto  me.'  She  was  one  who  felt 
the  force  of  this  commendation,  and  took  it  in  its  largest 
sense — not  as  applicable  to  those  alone  who  'suffer  for  con- 
science sake,'  but  to  the  guilty  and  the  wretched — in  the 
spirit  of  Him  who  came  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which  is 
lost.  Through  weariness  and  painfulness  she  labored  to 
fulfill  it.  And  now  that  her  conflicts  upon  earth  are  ended, 
and  her  work  done,  may  it  not  be  confidently  believed  that 

for  her,  and  such  as  her,  are  those  words  of  marvelous  joy  

*Come  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  Kingdom  pre* 
pared  ^'or  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world.' " 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


"A  Name  of  Beaxtty,"  well  hath  said 
Admiring  love  of  one  whose  charms 

A  pure  and  saintly  radiance  shed 
O'er  human  life — a  light  which  warms 

The  soul  to  virtue  while  it  feeds 
Hope  with  a  calm  celestial  fire, 

And  confidence  in  noble  deeds. 
"Why  hath  the  rapt  heroic  lyre 

Not  sung  thee,  Earlham's  gentle  maid. 
Modest  and  sweet,  who  taught  the  poor 

And  many  a  grateful  offering  laid 

By  sorrow's  couch  and  penury's  door?  — 

Who  bowed  thy  heart  with  all  its  dower 
Of  brilliant  hopes  anil  love  replete, 

Like  a  fresh-opening  passiou-dower, 
Low  at  thy  waiting  Savior's  feet, — 

Took  up  a  cross  so  few  could  bear, 
Unmurmuring ;  doffed  the  idle  weeds 

Of  fashion;  bade  thy  feet  prepare 
To  follow  Christ  where'er  He  leads, — 


384 


ELIZABETH  FBY. 


To  honor  follow,  or  to  shame — 
It  matters  not:  thy  troth  is  given 

Without  reserve,  only  from  blame 
Deliverance  asking,  and  in  Heaven 

To  love  and  be  beloved,  to  meet, 
With  all  thy  friends  in  safety  there, 

Vast  multitudes  made  pure  and  sweet 
By  Jesus'  love,  its  bliss  share. 

Oh  great  heart  motherly!  God  saw 
Thy  wish,  God  heard  thy  noble  plea 

And  sent  His  angels  forth  to  draw 
Thy  golden  net  through  Galilee. 

After  a  night  of  toil  and  strife. 
Fruitful  in  trial's  needful  lore, 

And  increase  fair  of  thy  own  life. 
Thy  risen  Savior  walked  the  shore, 

And  taught  thee  how  to  drop  thy  line,— 
Where  in  the  world's  great  heaving  pool 

To  cast  thy  net ;  the  word  divine 
Thou  kept,  and  lo!  a  motley  school 

Of  fishes  gathered  at  His  call 
From  the  deep  shadows  of  the  lake  I 

And  what  is  wondrous  most  of  ail 
Thy  quivering  cords  did  never  break  I 


ELIZABETH  PBT 


385 


A  dozen  fair  apostles  soon 

With  thee  grasped  oar,  and  Christ-ward  drew 
Eight  womanly,  while  the  strange  boon 

Larger  with  every  moment  grew, 

Until  good  men,  brave,  true  and  strong. 
Seized  manfully  the  lengthening  line, 

And  urged  the  miracle  along, 

Searching  for  souls  in  sin's  dark  brine. 

All  Britain's  coasts  and  stagnant  pools 
Thy  love  bade  search  for  drowning  men, 

And  many  were  the  dying  souls 
Thus  taught  to  love  and  live  again. 

Nor  thus  content,  while  foreign  seas 
And  rivers  rolled  with  sorrow's  tide, 

There  flowed  thy  boundless  sympathies, 
O  saintliest  type  of  Jesus'  Bride ! 

"Ho!  stretch  the  cords  from  shore  to  shore! 

Join  all  for  sweet  Humanity! 
For  God,  for  Heaven,  join  rich  and  poor! 

Join,  high  and  low,  and  bond  and  freo!  " 

And  kings  the  noblo  frenzy  caught, 
And  queens  thy  sweet  behest  obeyed, 

Statesmen  by  thy  wise  lips  were  taught, 
And  the  rude  throng  their  magic  swayed. 


ELIZABETH  FRY 


Light  through  the  dismal  dungeon  poured, 
"With  rainbow  hues  cf  mercy  clothed  1 

Again  the  words  of  Salem's  Lord 
The  sinful  roused,  the  sorrowing  soothed! 

March  on !  march  on  I  admiring  France 
Thrills  to  the  music  of  \by  voice! 

Not  Joan  wUh  her  virgin  lance 
Made  gallant  pulses  more  rejoice! 

The  Christian  patriot  bids  hail 
Mercy's  meek  angel  as  she  threads 

The  glittering  street  or  gloomy  vale, 
Where  most  the  call  of  sorrow  leads! 

.Ind  Freedom  from  her  Alpine  heights 
Comes  forth  to  kiss  the  gentle  hand 

Which  to  a  purer  realm  inviles 
The  least  and  greatest  of  her  band. 

March  on !  the  Netherlands  give  ear 
Gladly  to  thy  mellifluous  plea; 

Harsh  chains  relax,  the  mellowing  tear 
Leaps  from  the  rock  at  Love's  decree. 

On  to  the  wakening  Fatherland, 
Where  kings  a  royal  welcome  give, 

And  sister  queens  uphold  the  hand 
Which  bids  the  weak  and  wandering  live  ' 


ELIZABETH  FBT. 


Nor  yet  alone  the  poor  and  blind 
Thou  win'st  to  virtue's  upward  road, 

But  princes  of  the  heart  and  mind 
With  thee  walk  nearer  to  their  God 

Lifting  the  soul  on  wings  of  prayer 
Thou  bear'st  it  to  the  blossoming  skies, 

Or  gently  layest  it,  weeping,  where 
The  Lamb  of  God  for  sinners  dies. 

Sweet  gift  of  mother  love  divine ! 

Oh  how  the  thirsting  heart  of  man 
Needs  thee,  ev'n  at  devotion's  shrine. 

To  teach  as  only  mother's  can — 

How  the  Lord  Gracious  stooped  to  bless 
And  break  for  us  sin's  prison  doors. 

To  smile  away  life's  bitterness, 
And  point  dead  Hope  to  mercy's  shoves — 

Through  light  and  darkness,  praise  and  blame 
How  like  a  slave  for  us  He  toiled, 

Raised  us  to  glory  by  His  shame. 
And  by  His  death  our  spoiler  spoiled. 

Such  lessons  yet  may  woman  teach 
In  holy  word  and  graceful  deed ; 

So  cheer  the  struggling  soul  to  reach 

Redemption's  gate  and  faith's  bright  meed. 


ELIZABETH  FBY 


Forgetful  only  that  thine  arm 

Was  mortal,  though  by  Heaven  inspire!^ 
Assured  that  love  can  work  no  harm, 

And  bear  each  cross  by  Love  required, 

Through  storm  and  sunshine  thus  thy  feet 
Past  mount  and  valley  hastened  on, 

Still  scattering  Zion's  golden  wheat 
O'er  fertile  field  and  wayside  atone, 

And  founding  granaries  where  the  poor, 
And  the  lone  watchman,  with  his  flock. 

May  feed  upon  thought's  healthful  store, 
And  find  green  pastures  on  the  rock. 

Nor  ceased  thy  toils  when  evening  fell, 
Fire-winged,  upon  the  harvest  plain, 

And  saw  the  o'erflowing  river  swell 
To  meet  thee  with  thy  goodly  train. 

Nor  did  thy  loving  arms  forget, 
With  all  their  load  of  gathered  sheaves, 

Ev'n  amid  Jordan's  billows,  yet 

To  grasp  and  clasp  the  falling  leaves. 

Though  burns  the  fire  of  wasting  pain 
Thy  soul  with  heavenly  music  flows, 

And  like  the  Lamb  for  sinners  slain 
Yields  fragrant  balm  for  others'  woes. 


ELIZABETH  PBT. 


Oh  more  than  conqueror !  thy  Lord 
Did  well  to  press  such  vintage  hard, 

For  sweeter  wine  was  never  stored 
In  heart  of  saint  or  tongue  of  bard. 

In  the  pearl  gate  thou  fain  wouldst  turn 

To  see  if  all  were  pressing  on — 
Still  o'er  a  dying  world  to  yearn 

Like  angel  mother  o'er  her  son- 
One  word  of  comfort  more  to  giva^ 

One  jewel  more  to  gather  up, 
Another  soul  for  Christ  to  live, 

A  di'op  of  balm  for  sorrow's  cup  I 

Seraphic  Spirit!  saintliest  star 

Of  England's  bright  and  beauteous  train! 
So  shineth  from  her  thi-one  afar 

The  gem  that  hghts  the  morning  main  I 

Shine  on  and  tell  us  how  to  sail. 
Unmoved  by  fortune's  frowns  or  smiles, 

How  on  time's  sea  to  bide  the  gale, 
A»d  anchor  by  Life's  golden  isles. —  • 

"The  Pilot!"  aye,  we  hear  thee,  mother — 
"With  heart  and  ear  attend  His  word  I 

"Him  love  and  also  one  another  1 
"Greeting  to  all  who  love  the  Lord! " 


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